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WHY ARE 

THE MADAME MORA’S CORSETS 



A IHARTEI. OP COMFORT AIVD ELEGANCE f 

Try them, and yon will Find 
WHY they need no breaking^ in, but feel easy at once. 
WHY they are liked by Ladies of full fig^ure. 

WHY they do not break down over the hips, and 

WHY the celebrated Freneh eurved band prevents any 
wrinkling or stretching at the sides. 

WHY dressmakers delight in fitting dresses over them. 

WHY merchants say they give better satisfaction than any others. 
WHY they take pains to recommend them. 

Their popularity has induced many imitations, which are frauds, high at 
any price. Buy only the genuine, stamped Madame Mora’s. Sold by all 
leadmg Dealers with this 

GUARANTEE: 

that if not perfectly satisfactory unon trial the money will be refunded. 

L KRAUS & CO,, Manufacturers, Birmingham, Conn. 


NED BACHMAN, 

THE 

NEW ORLEANS DETECTIVE. 


By ALLEN DALE. 


THE CHAMPION DETECTITE SERIES, No. 10. 

Issued Monthly —Subscription Price, $3.00 per year— April, 1887. 
Entered at New York Post-ofidce as second-class matter. 


Copyright, 1886, by J. S. Ogilvie and Company. 


NEW YORK: 

J. S. OGILVIE AND COMPANY, 

31 Rose Street. 


POPULAR 

0ETEGTIVE Stories 


We call your attention to the following list of splendid Detective 
Stories, written by the most popular authors of the present day. The 
price for paper cover books, 25 cents; bound in cloth, 50 cents. Each 
one contains about 140 pages; 

Harry Pinkurten, the King of Detectives. By Harry Rockwood 
Macon Moore, the Southern Detective. By Judson R. Taylor. 
Fritz, the German Detective. By Tony Pastor. 

Phil Scott, the Indian Detective. By Judson R. Taylor. 
Gypsy Blair, the Western Detective. By judson R. Taylor. 
Donald Dyl e, the Yankee Detective. By Harry Rockwood. 
Nat Foster, the Boston Detec:ive. By Harry Rockwood. 
Clarice Dyke, the Female Detective. By Harry Rockwood. 
Abner Fejrrett, the Lawyer Detective. By Harry Rockwood. 
Dyke and Burr, the Bival Detectives. By Harry Rockwood. 
Allan Keene, the War Detective. By Harry Rockwood. 
Walt Wheeler, the Scout Detective. By Harry Rockwood. 
Luke Leighton, the Government Detective. Harry Rockwood. 
Victor Maury, the French Detective. By George Reynolds. 
Nemo, the Shadow Detective. By F. L. Broughton. 

The following are issued in our popular 60 cent series, bound in 
paper covers. Each one contains about 400 pages: 

The Detective Trio. 

Detective Stories (Three in one Vol.) 
Shadowed by a Detective. By rirginla ClaiDlli 

The above stories are for sale by all booksellers, on all trains, or 
will be mailed to any address, postpaid, on receipt of price by 

J. S. OGILVIE & CO., Publishers, 

P. O. Box 276T. 31 Rose St., New York. 


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« • > 









NED BACHMAN, 

THE NEW ORLEANS DETECTIVE. 


CHAPTER I. 

IN WHICH THE VILLAIN MAKES HIS APPEARANCE UPON 
THE SCENE. 

At the hour of ten upon a sultry evening in the latter 
part of June, a young girl sat bending over her work in the 
poor room of a tenement-house in the city of New Or- 
leans. 

A large piece of silk lay upon her lap, and she was work- 
ing a perfect garden of flowers upon its smooth surface. 
Her needle flew rapidly; there was a look of expectation 
in her bright eyes; and. her small, slim hands trembled as 
she thought that the task of many weary weeks was almost 
completed. 

There she cried suddenly, in bell-like tones, ^^itis 
finished at last.-’’ 

She raised her arms as she spoke. Her great joy flooded 
all her face with light. But suddenly this was changed. 
In moving her arms she pushed from its place upon the 
table at her side a pitcher containing water. The unlucky 
fluid fell upon the silk in her lap and soaked the fabric in a 
dreadful manner. Springing to her feet, the girl held the 


6 


NED BACMMAN. 


silk ©xtsndcd in hor hands, looking at it with an exprossion 
of woe that would have melted the heart of any person who 
had looked in upon the scene. The labor of so many long 
hours had been made useless in one brief second. At the 
thought her soft lips trembled and the tears gathered in her 
eyes. Hero Carnsea was not of a weak nature, and she 
forced them back. 

^^It^s a shame, she wailed as she laid the silk upon the 
table; ^^it would have paid the rent for which the landlord 
is clamoring. I don't know what I shall do." 

Her circumstances would have caused many natures to 
despair, and would have perplexed all. We will give the 
reader a brief description of Hero, and an account of the 
events which had ejected her from the position in society 
which she had an evident right to assume. 

Her father, George Carnsea, had been a merchant, re- 
puted wealthy, and highly respected. Nothing had been 
spared that would give benefit or pleasure to his only child 
until eighteen months before the date of which we write, 
when suddenly there had come a crash in the merchant's 
affairs. He had of course been aware that it must come 
long before, but had concealed it cleverly from Hero. He, 
doubtless, had expected to save something, but had failed 
to do so, and it broke his heart. Mr. Carnsea’s health had 
failed owing to his troubles, and a few months after his 
failure had died, leaving his tenderly-reared daughter at 
the mercy of the unpitying world. Hero had done the best 
she was able since — and, indeed, before — her father’s death; 
but ill-fortune seemed, as we have seen this evening, to fol- 
low in her footsteps. She was too pretty and delicate to 
prove successful in the battle she was fighting. Somewhat 
beneath the medium height, still no one seeing her would 
wish to change her form, she was so lithely and compactly 
shaped. Her head was almost classical in form, and lighted 
by a pair of soft gray eyes whose glance, as some modem 


NED BACHMAN. 


7 


versifier has said, could drive a fellow crazj/^ Her hair 
was dark and abundant, her complexion a fine cream; but 
her beauty is not to be described. It is sufficient to say 
that she was as charming as any lover can think his mis- 
tress. 

Suddenly she raised her head, and with a sigh rolled up 
her work and put it away. 

It is too bad,^^ she repeated slowly; “ I have but a few 
cents now, and I have no means of procuring a new supply 
until I can finish that curtain I commenced. That will 
take weeks. Oh, what shall I do?^^ 

The last words ended in what was almost a wail, and, 
dropping into a chair, her head fell into her hands. Her 
reverie had not lasted for many moments before there was 
a stir in the passage outside the door. The next instant a 
person rapped for admittance. Hero rose to open the door, 
but before she could move from her chair the knob was 
turned, and a man stepped quickly into the room. He was 
tall and dark, and wore a heavy brown mustache upon his 
upper lip. Despite the sultriness of the evening, the visitor 
wore a long cloak of some coarse material. His hat was 
drawn down over his eyes, leaving only the lower part of his 
face visible. Heroes gray eyes opened a trifle wider than 
their wont as the man crossed the threshold and closed the 
door. She began to grow frightened. The hour was late, 
and what could this man possibly want with her? 

Sir,^^ she faltered, drawing a step backward, and still 
keeping her seemingly fascinated gaze upon the person be- 
fore her, have you not made a mistake?” 

The man stepped forward, removing his hat. Not if 
you are Miss Hero Carnsea,” he said in respectful tones. 

That is my name.” 

Then you are the lady I wish to see.” He made another 
excessively polite bow, and seemed to wait for her to speak. 

She looked at her visitor a moment wonderingly. There 


8 


NED BACHMAN 


was something that seemed familiar in his dark handsome 
face; hut she could not recollect where she had seen the 
man before, or, indeed, if she had ever seen him. 

Your business?” she demanded at last. 

If you will allow me to explain,” and again he bowed. 
^^My errand here is a somewhat singular one. I am a serv- 
ant of Mrs. — 

You a servant!” Hero could not help exclaiming. 

The man laughed. 

Are you surprised.?^” he said. 

You have neither the appearance nor the speech of a 
servant, she said, coloring slightly as she saw her mis- 
take. 

Again the man bowed. 

Thank you,” he said. But the fact that appears to 
surprise you is nothing uncommon. A servant has many 
opportunities of becoming, in appearance at least, a gentle- 
man; and it is often difficult to distinguish the man from 
the master.” 

The fellow spoke with the greatest volubility, and seemed 
to be holding Hero in conversation for his own pleasure. 
This occurred to her, and she said, with some coldness, 

""^^^0 doubt what you say is true; but you are forgetting 
your mission.” 

beg your pardon,” he said humbly. ^^As I was 
about to say, I am a servant of Mrs. Dalton, who desired 
me to come here this evening. She has need of your serv- 
- ices, and she, being impatient of any delay when once de- 
termined upon any matter, wishes you to come this verv 
night.” 

The man^s manner was very respectful, his voice pleasant 
and smooth; but nevertheless she experienced a vague dis- 
trust of him. Nor did she feel at ease under the wander- 
ing glance of his sharp black eyes. They might be honest, 
but Hero doubted it. 


NED BACHMAN 9 

^^Why does your mistress want me?^^ she asked ab- 
ruptly. 

Ah! I was forgetting to tell you that. Pray pardon me/^ 
said the visitor in his smooth, glib way. There is to' be 
a masked ball, and Mrs. Dalton, intending to be present, 
has designed a costume which she wishes you to construct. 
The ball is to take place in two days, and, as nothing but 
her new idea will satisfy her, she commissioned me to bring 
you to her that you may commence your work to-night. 
Madam is not to be balked when she has once settled her 
mind upon anjrthing.” 

Why did she not send the work here?^^ asked Hero. 

“ She must see you herself and give her own directions. 
Will you go?” 

Hero bent her eyes upon the floor for a moment in sore 
perplexity. Was there anything ever so strange as this 
night summons? She knew not whether to distrust this 
man or place confidence in his declaration. 

‘^How did your mistress become aware of my existence?” 
she asked, a shade of bitterness in her tones, as she thought 
of the means of her circumstances. 

Oh I easily enough. She saw some of yOur work at Buttons 
& Co. ^8 store, and upon making inquiries they informed 
her of your abode; and when she decided upon her costume 
she recollected you at once, and said, ^ Miss Carnsea is just 
the person to work out my idea.^, That is why I am here. 
Of course you will go with me. She will pay you fifty dol- 
lars for your work, and there is the money in advance.” 

Taking a roll of bills from his pocket, the man placed 
them upon the table as he finished speaking. The sum 
was a tempting one to Hero in her present situation, and 
after glancing at the notes for a moment, thinking that 
they would be a fortune to her, she raised her eyes to 
the man^s face. He stood patiently waiting for her to 
decide. 


10 


NED BACHMAN 


Suddenly Hero said, What did you say was the lady^s 
name?^^ 

'^Mrs. Dalton/’ 

And she resides?” 

On C Street. AVill you go? If so, fetch your hat 

and wraps. My mistress will grow impatient if we wait 
much longer.” 

This man’s story may be true after all/ thought Hero. 
She could venture a little to obtain the money which she 
needed so badly. 

I will go with you,” she said, after a moment’s pause. 

Good! You have decided wisely. The carriage waits at 
the door.” 

Hero had turned away to prepare for her journey; but as 
the man ended his speech she glanced quickly around. 
Was it fancy or did the man actually chuckle? Hero 
could not tell. She was nervous, and almost regretted the 
promise she had given. 


CHAPTER II. 

UKMASKED. 

Hero’s limbs trembled with anticipated evil as she fol- 
lowed her strange visitor down the dimly lighted staircase 
and into the nearly deserted street. But it was too late to 
turn back now, she thought, although wishing she had not 
promised to go. 

^^This way!” cried her guide, taking her hand. He 
hurried her along for a short distance until they arrived at 
where a carriage was standing near the sidewalk. 

Here is the carriage.” 


NED BACmiAN 


11 


The man seemed in great haste to get away. He almost 
carried her into the cab, then quickly followed inside and 
the door was closed. Away they rattled over the rough 
pavement, and at every bound the horses made Hero be- 
came more ill at ease. It was so dark inside the carriage 
that she could not see her companion's face; and as he did 
not speak. Hero did not have the spirit to address him. 
Suddenly a laugh broke from the man^s lips. It seemed 
that some internal glee was forced to find a vent in this 
wild, sinister laughter. It sent a cold shiver through the 
young girFs frame, and with a little cry of fear she sprang 
spasmodically to her feet. 

^^You are deceiving me she cried excitedly. ^^Stop 
the carriage and let me return. I will not go with you." 

Por an instant the man was silent; then he laughed 
softly. 

^^But I tell you to call the driver to open the door!" 

Compose yourself, my sweet," said the fellow, quietly. 

You must go; you will not be cruel enough to leave me 
now." 

The man^s words caused an interpretation of his vile in- 
tentions to enter the brain of the trembling girl. As she 
understood the full horror of her situation, her limbs failed 
to support her, and, with a low, fearful cry, she sprang 
back upon the seat. 

^^Oh, why did you entice me here?" she wailed. 

The man did not answer. 

^^Let me go this instant!" Hero continued, with as much 
firmness of tone as she could bring forward. Unless you 
do so I will scream for help." 

The scoundrel grasped her arm, and quickly covered her 
mouth with his hand, stifling the cry which trembled upon 
her lips. 

Be quiet, now," he said, the softness which had hither- 
to disguised his nature disappearing. shall not permit 


12 NED BACHMAN. 

you to make a scene or get me into trouble. Do you see 

thisr 

He drew a small vial from bis pocket, and held it up to 
the dim, dirt-encrusted lantern. 

^^It contains chloroform, he continued deliberately, 
^^and if you attempt to make the slightest disturbance; I 
shall render you insensible. Do you understand? Eemain 
passive and you accompany me in possession of your facul- 
ties. But if you struggle, it is your senseless body I will 
take along." 

The man had removed his hand from her mouth, but 
grasped her arms. It was several moments before Hero 
could speak. 

^^Why have you entrapped me in this manner," she ven- 
tured at last, in low, frightened tones. 

** Why? Because I love you." 

Hero shuddered. 

^^Love me?" she repeated tremulously. never saw 
you before, and do not even know who you are." 

I know you, however, my pretty. I^ve been in love 
with you for a long time. You always fought shy of me, 
and I at last determined upon this move to make your ac- 
quaintance." 

For a moment Hero remained silent; but speech even 
with the scoundrel who sat fronting her was preferable to 
her own thoughts, and again she spoke. 

Then there is no Mrs. Dalton," she said. 

Humph! Yes, but you will never see her. That story 
about the costume was all an invention of my own," the 
man chuckled with triumphant malignity. 

Hero felt her blood congeal at the sound. 

Who are youP^ she asked. 

Eugene Barton, at your service," he cried mockingly, 
have never heard of you," Hero cried faintly. 
^^Why will you not release me? Why should you wish to 
persecute me?" 


NED BACHMAN 


13 


Because I love you.” 

You are a coward!” cried the young girl defiantly. 

So, so ; I am glad to see you show a high spirit, my 
dear. I hate these crying and sobbing girls.” 

For several moments after this Hero remained silent. 
In the mean time the carriage rolled on, bearing her nearer 
and nearer to destruction, as she thought. Suddenly she 
raised her head. 

^^What do you intend to do with me?” she asked in 
tones that would have pierced the heart of any man not 
hardened with criminal lust. 

Barton, as he had called himself, did not reply for a mo- 
ment, but sat looking at his victim, his passions displayed 
upon his dissipated-looking countenance. 

^‘You are to be my wife,” he said slowly, ^^or some- 
thing that amounts to very much the same.” 

You would not force me to marry you?” 

Perhaps.” 

j 

Before she could made the observation she intended, the 
carriage turned up to the sidewalk and came to a halt. 
Hero looked out of the window upon a row of palatial resi- 
dences. Barton had been as good as his word in taking her 

to C Street at least. The carriage-door was thrown 

open, and the villain prepared to descend. 

^^Now no nonsense, remember,” he said in brutal tones. 
^^If you call for help, it will be the last sound you will ever 
utter. Just bear that in mind. I^m not a man to be tri- 
fled with.” 

Tell me, at least, where I am to be taken,” pleaded Hero. 

To that house;” and he pointed toward the mansion in 
front of which the carriage had drawn up. And now be- 
fore you leave the carriage you must promise that you will 
walk quietly by my side to the house, and make no ap- 
peal for help nor attempt to escape.** 


14 


NED BACHMAN. 


And if I refuse?’^ 

A scornful sneer contracted the villain^s lips. 

^^If you refuse,” he hissed, ^^you will be bound and 
gagged, for go you must! There is no escape for you, and 
you may as well resign yourself to the fact.” 

It did seem that there was no escape for her; and draw- 
ing a long, deep breath. Hero sighed, 
promise.” 

That^s well. Come on.” 

He aided her to descend to the sidewalk. At this instant 
a sound of footsteps at no great distance became audible. 
The people, whoever they might be, were coming towards 
the place, and Hero turned her head, a wild hope thrilling 
her heart that she might escape the snare that had been 
subtly arranged for her. Two men came forward into 
view and walked rapidly towards them. Eugene Barton 
saw the approaching men. A muffled oath broke from his 
lips, and his hand closed on the girFs arm like a vise. 

Kemember your promise,” he hissed fiercely into Hero’s 
ear. ^^Not a word, or you shall die.” 

The villain attempted to drag her up the steps leading to 
the mansion. Hero became faint and almost senseless. 
She rested like a dead weight on the man’s arm. 

Damnation!” he growled between his clenched teeth. 

The new-comers were but a few feet away. A moment 
more and they would be upon him. Barton drew a revolver 
from his pocket and placed the muzzle against the fore- 
head of the shrinking girl. With a low cry for mercy. 
Hero’s overstrained nerves gave way and she became 


NED BACHMAN. 


15 


CHAPTER III. 

THE CKACKSMEH. 

Lifting the senseless girl in strong arms. Barton strode 
up the marble steps. Ere he could gain the door, how- 
ever, hurried footsteps came running after him. The next 
instant he received a blow upon the head that sent him 
staggering against the iron railing. 

You are at your deviTs work again, cried a ringing, 
manly voice. Thank God, I am here to thwart you!” 

The new-comer tore Heroes scarcely animate form from 
the villain^s arms. Barton shrieked a fearful oath. A 
blind sort .of fury took possession of him. 

Curse you I” he yelled, presenting the black muzzle of 
his pistol, ^^you^ve interfered with my affairs once too 
often; now take the consequences.” 

The stranger coolly pushed up the muzzle of the re- 
volver. 

Miss,” his voice softening as he addressed her, '^were 
you going with this man of your own free will?” 

Oh, no, no, no!” she cried earnestly. 

I expected as much when your appeal for mercy reached 
my ears. That alone was sufficient to arouse my suspicions. 
Moreover, I. know Barton of old. You are not the first 
pure and innocent girl who has been enticed to this hell of 
his. But it is not too late to save you from his clutches.” 

What would you do?” said Barton. 

Restore this young girl to her friends.” 

Bah!” with a sneer. You'd better try it! I don't 
imagine you would ever undertake another philanthropic 
act. You are a very good fellow, but decidedly soft. The 
girl is imposing on you for some purpose of her own. She 


16 


NED BACHMAN 


is no better than she should be; otherwise she would not 
be here with me/^ 

Hero clasped her hands beseechingly. Oh, sir,^^ she 
said, do not believe him. As God hears me, I am not 
vile and wicked.” 

Ned Bachman looked at her keenly. 

I believe you,” he said, after a moment^s hesitation. 

‘^And will continue my friend?” 

^^Yes.” 

Barton meanwhile had thrust his hand behind and rung 
the door-bell furiously. He intended to summon some of 
his minions to his aid and so overpower the girFs noble 
protector. Fortunately Ned detected the movement, and 
started down the steps, still holding Heroes listless figure 
in his arms. 

^‘Attempt any treachery now, and I will raise, such a hue 
and cry as will hardly be pleasant for you. I intend to 
protect this girl with my life, if necessary.” 

Barton stood irresolute a minute, gnashing his teeth. 
Then the figure of a policeman could be seen coming up 
the street, and at no great distance. Here was help for 
Ned; such help as he had scarcely counted upon. 

Foiled!” hissed Barton. ^‘^You hold the winning card 
to-night, Bachman; but I^m not done with you yet; my 
day of triumph is to come.” 

At this instant the bolts of the house-door before which 
he stood were drawn back from within. He turned, threw 
a last vindictive glance behind him, and then disappeared 
through the doorway. 

Ned gently released his companion’s arm. 

Ho not tremble, ”he said, ^^you are safe now.” 

Yes, thanks to your noble efforts.” 

^^But tell me how you came to be here at this hour and 
in that villain’s company.” 

She briefly related all that had occurred. 


NED BACHMAN, 


17 


It will not be safe for you to go back to Green Street 
to-night,” said Bachman, when the recital was concluded. 

^^What shall I do? I have no other home.” 

And no friends with whom you could seek refuge?” 

-^^Alas! none.” 

That is strange,” and he looked very much surprised. 

Is it?” she said quickly. Then you have yet to learn 
that the poor can lay claim to very few friends in this 
world.” 

^^True; but I cannot leave you to face a second peril 
perhaps more terrible than that from which you have just 
escaped. I have it! You shall go home with me.” 

Hero started and blushed deeply. 

With you?” 

Why not? Nay, do not be afraid,” for he interpreted 
aright the crimson glow that suffused her fair cheek. I 
am incapable of harming one so fair and innocent as your- 
self. You will go with me?” 

Yes.” 

^^It is well. I live with an uncle who has adopted me. 
He is a good, true man, and will heartily welcome you 
until a more fitting place of refuge can be found.” 

I will gladly go with you.” 

‘^My uncle's residence is in the suburbs,” said Ned, 
^^and is much too far for us to think of walking.” 

Hero and her protector now withdrew to the corner of 
the street, and there waited for the hack which Ned had 
sent for by the policeman. 

Barton's residence was plainly visible from where they 
stood — an imposing mansion with a brown-stone front. 
Late as was the hour/ lights still flashed from several of its 
windows. 

You have escaped a great peril,” said Ned. 

Yes, thanks to you.” 

At this moment a carriage appeared. Ned lifted Hero 


18 


NED BACHMAN 


into it, and then followed. Hero leaned back against the 
cushions as the hack started olf, feeling weary and listless 
after the intense excitement she had undergone, but failing 
to experience the slightest misgivings for the future, fully 
trusting her rescuer. 

He was sitting opposite her, with the light of the carriage 
lamp full upon his face. It was a face to be relied upon — 
grave, strong, resolute. She felt drawn towards its pos- 
sessor. 

^^We have very nearly reached our destination,^^ said 
Ned, after a few moments^ silence. 

^‘^Your friends will be greatly surprised at seeing me 
with you at this late hour.^*’ 

Still you will be welcome after I relate your adventures 
to my uncle.” 

The hack now drew up before a house situated in the 
suburbs of the city, in the midst *of extensive grounds. 

^^Here we are,” said Ned, getting out. Welcome to 
the Hall.” 

Hero gave him her hand, and he led her up a gravelled 
walk, from which ascended three, or four stone steps; 
then they were at the house-door, and the bell was rung 
sharply. After a brief delay a white-faced, heavy-eyed girl 
of about fifteen answered the summons. She was singu- 
larly disconcerted on first opening the door; she seemed 
to breathe a sigh of relief when she recognized Ned. 

Oh, it is you,” she said, half involuntarily. 

^^Whom did you think it could be?” 

^*1 could not tell.” She seemed confused, and spoke in 
a faltering tone of voice. You were not expected home 
to-night, Mr. Ned.” 

True; but I have changed my mind. I have brought 
home with me a lady friend, you perceive.” 

^^Yes.” 

The girl did not seem at all surprised at Hero’s appear- 


NED BACHMAN. 


19 


ance at that unusual hour. Her features expressed indif- 
ference and nothing more. 

Hero looked at her curiously. Her quick eye read indi- 
cations to which Ned perhaps was wholly indifferent. 

That girl has sinned and suffered/^ she thought, but 
half inclined to distrust her. 

Perhaps the young man' guessed something of what was 
passing in her mind, for he turned suddenly and said, 
under his breath, 

Don^t mind Nancy. She is a queer creature, but, I 
think, faithful.” 

Has she been long in your uncle^s service?” asked Hero, 
in the same guarded tones. 

Only three weeks. She^s only one of the house-maids. 
Uncle George engaged her out of pity for her wretched 
condition. She was a poor waif without home or friends.” 

^‘Indeed!” said Hero, thoughtfully. 

She had seen Nancy^s filmy eyes turned suspiciously upon 
them while they were speaking, as if trying to catch what 
they said. Ned failed to take notice of the fact. How- 
ever, he turned and said, 

"" Nancy, Miss Dalton will be our guest for a few days. 
You will show her to a proper room and see tliat she wants 
for nothing.” 

Yes, sir,” courtesied the girl, though not very gra- 
ciously. '"Come with me, miss,” she said, leading the 
way through a spacious hall upstairs to a luxuriously fur- 
nished bed-chamber on the second floor. She placed the 
lamp upon the table, add then turned to go. "I hope you 
will be kind enough not to have many wants,” she said 
sullenly. 

"You are tired?” 

"lam clean beat out.” 

"How does it happen you were up so late?” 

The girl shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. 


20 


NED BACHMAN. 


''How do you know I was up?^^ she said suddenly. 
"There was plenty of time to dress after the bell rang 
afore I went to the door.^^ 

" But not to dress in that manner."’^ She pointed to the 
girFs shoes, which were laced and tied, and to the bit of cot- 
ton lace pinned up in the neck of her dress. "You may go.-’^ 

The girl quitted the room. Her haste to go puzzled 
Hero not a little, and on being left alone, instead of going 
directly to bed, she turned down the light and seated her- 
self by the open window in a thoughtful mood. Presently 
she heard ]N‘ed come upstairs and enter the room adjoining 
her own. Then all was still. 

Hero’s thoughts naturally reverted to the strange conduct 
of the house-maid. 

"Something is evidently wrong,” she said to herself. 
" Nancy was telling me a falsehood. She was sitting up 
for some purpose. What could it be?” 

An hour went by. Suddenly she was startled by foot- 
steps on the ground below — soft, gliding, catlike steps, that 
only the deep stillness of the night rendered audible. Then 
she heard a voice saying in a sharp whisper, 

"All right?” 

"Yes,” was the answer in the same tone. "The lights 
have been out an hour at least.” 

"What signal was agreed upon with the girl?” 

"The whippoorwill cry.” 

" Go ahead, then.” 

A sweet, plaintive cry broke on the air — a bird-call, soft 
and perfect. 

Hero started quickly to her feet. 

" Good heavens!” she muttered, "what shall I do? The 
house is about to be robbed.” 

For a moment her strength seemed gone. While she 
stood trembling and panting, hurried footsteps went past 
her door and down the staircase. 


KED BACHMAN. 


21 


It is Nancy. That girl is in league with the robbers." 

She was calm and self-possessed in an instant. Instead 
of making a great outcry, she stole softly from the room 
and into that occupied by Ned Bachman. 

^^Mr. Bachman," she said, close to Ned^s ear, awake." 

He started up without so much as an exclamation of 
surprise. 

What is it?" he said in a voice that proved conclusively 
that he was in full possession of his senses. 

Bobbers," she answered briefly. Nancy has gone 
down to meet them." 

Good God!" 

He was out of bed in an instant. 

Turn your back. Miss Dalton, but don^t go; I shall be 
dressed in a second^s time." 

Indeed, it took him scarcely that to hurry on his clothes. 
Then he stepped to the table and took up some object lying 
there. 

^^It^s my revolver," he said. ^‘I took it with me when 
I went to the city to-night, and fortunately it is loaded." 

He hurried from the room. Hero followed him. 

'^I hear them at the window below," she said. ^'I am 
going down with you." 

Faint sounds could be heard from the room to the right 
of the wall. They entered this apartment without a mo- 
ment's hesitation. A dark form was just crawling through 
an open window, and another stood waiting outside. Ned 
dashed forward, cocking his revolver as he went, and lev- 
elled it at the man. He pulled the trigger. There was a 
sudden groan and a muttered curse, and the sound of steps 
retreating rapidly. But Ned took no notice of this at the 
time. Turning the instant the report had died away, he 
clubbed the weapon and, turning, struck the villain a stun- 
ning blow on the head. At the same moment Ned be- 
came aware of a second struggle going on near at hand. 


22 


NED BACHMAN. 


He guessed the truth instinctively. Nancy was in the 
apartment, and Hero was trying to detain her. 

do not wish to harm you,"^ he heard Hero say. My 
sole purpose is to prevent you from lending aid to your 
confederates.^^ 

Let her go” said Ned. trust the danger is over.^^ 

He struck a match and lighted the gas. Then he 
stooped over the prostrate ruffian on the floor. The man 
had been but momentarily stunned, and was already com- 
ing to his senses. Ned looked at him for an instant, and 
then recoiled. What he saw was a pair of flashing blue 
eyes staring straight up into his own, and a handsome, 
blond-bearded face of a man of forty- five. It was a 
Bachman face for all the world. Ned stared at him like 
one who had received a great shock. The man's face 
seemed a familiar one. 

A strange smile curled the man's full red lips. 

''You have sharp eyes, my fine fellow," he muttered, 
rising, and leaning an elbow on the seat of a chair. "You 
recognize the peculiar features of your race at a glance. 
You know me for a Bachman like yourself." 

Ned's face blanched to a deadly pallor. 

"Who are you?" he asked faintly. 

"Can't you guess?" There was a spice of malice in the 
smile that accompanied the question. " Don't you recall 
the fact that one of the Bachmans ran away from New Or- 
leans years and years ago and never came back again?" 

"Good God!" 

"Do you remember now who I am? If not, lock the 
door against all intruders. You would not like to have me 
taken into custody. Ned, lock the door and I will tell 
you the truth." 

The young man seemed incapable of motion, but fixed 
upon Hero a wild look of appeal. She understood the look, 
and stepping to the door, turned the key in the lock. 


NED BACHMAN. 


23 


CHAPTER IV. 

ROBERT BACHMAIf. 

Wheij they were secure from intrusion by the locking 
of the door, the would-be robber again spoke. 

I must be off in another moment,” be said, looking 
around with the unconcerned air of one who is master of 
the situation. What I have to say must be put into very 
few words.” 

You mean,” interrupted Ned, "'that you must he off 
if I permit you to go at all, which is hardly probable under 
the circumstances.” 

"Bah!” contemptuously; "my comrade has evidently 
made a run for it. I shall follow his example directly, and 
you will not even seek to detain me.” 

" DonT he too sure of that.” 

At this instant footsteps became audible in the hall, and 
doors were heard to open and shut here and there. 

" The house has been alarmed,” the robber said quietly; 
then drawing nearer to Ned: "Let me speak while I have 
the opportunity. In the first place, I have a question to 
ask. You can see for yourself that I have a Bachman 
face; and now for the question. Which of the Bachmans 
was it that fied from New Orleans so many years ago? Do 
you know?” 

Ned groaned, hut did not answer. " Speak!” cried the 
man, fiercely. There was an instant of dead silence in the 
room, the footsteps coming nearer and nearer, until they 
paused at the door, and a hand turned the knob. 

" Who is there?” called a voice. " What is the meaning 


24 NED BACHMAN. 

of tlie confusion I have heard; and who nas locked me 
outP^ 

Ned^s face became ghastlier than ever in its hue. It^s 
Uncle George^s voice/^ he muttered. 

Yes/^ smiled the insolent stranger, I recognize it as 
readily as yourself; but he must not come in here — at least 
just at present." 

What is the meaning of your strange behavior?" cried 
Ned, turning on him with sudden heat. 

Before we are interrupted I wish you to answer my 
question. Which of the Bachmans was it fled to foreign 
parts?" 

^^It was my father!" 

^‘Ha! ha! YouVe answered truly. It was your father. 
He fled in disgrace." 

^^Yes, yes." 

The man laughed low and mockingly. He laid his 
hands on the young man^s shoulders. 

You know me now," he said. Ned, embrace your 
father!" 

Ned Bachman must have known all this while what was 
coming; but he staggered back, as from a blow when these 
words were uttered. 

^^My father!" he gasped. ^'It’s a lie; you are not my 
father." 

Ingrate!" hissed the man, malevolently. Do you ask 
for proof?" 

' I do." 

You shall have it, then." 

He thrust one hand into his pocket, and drew forth a 
blood-stone of peculiar workmanship. ^^Take this," he 
said; it is an heirloom. Show it to my brother George, 
and ask him what he thinks of the man with the Bachman 
face and eyes who had that ring in his possession." 

The master of the house was now pounding impatiently 


NED BACHMAN. 


25 


on the door. The moment he had ceased speaking, the 
would-be robber had darted through the window and was 
gone. 

Ned dropped into a chair, trembling from head to foot. 

Oh, this is terrible he groaned. 

Hero went up to him, and laid her hand on his arm. 

Shall I open the door now?^^ she whispered. 

“Directly/^ He made a frantic effort to recover his 
composure. There, there; I am calmer now. I must be 
calm."^ 

Hero unlocked the door and flung 'it wide open. The 
next instant George Bachman crossed the threshold, fol- 
lowed by two or three of the servants. He was a handsome 
and pleasant-faced man of sixty, with blond hair and bright 
blue eyes — hair that had scarcely a streak of gray as yet, 
and eyes that were as bright and piercing as in his younger 
days. He gave a slight start of surprise on seeing Hero, 
but bowed politely, and advanced to Ned^s side. 

Ned,^" he said, I thought you were to stay in the city 
to-night.^" 

I changed my mind,^^ the younger man said, keeping 
his voice steady by a powerful effort. 

So, so,” Mr. Bachman looked at him sharply. What 
is the meaning of the confusion I have heard? Why was 
the door locked upon me? Who fired that shot?” 
fired it.” 

^^At whom or what?” 

Ned glanced helplessly at Hero. It was all the result 
of a mistake,” he said faintly. heard strange voices 
some time since, and thought the house was being entered 
by burglars.” 

^^Good gracious! Fll have the grounds searched at 
once.” 

No, no,” cried Ned, anxiously; donT do that.” 

Why not ? I have heard strange voices myself. Per- 


26 


NED BAOHMAN 


haps a gang of thieves are prowling around. Who 
knows 

‘^Indeed, indeed, I assure you there is no cause for 
alarm. Uncle George," he said in the next breath with 
singular abruptness, you are quite neglecting our guest, 
Miss Dalton. Let me present you. Shall I recount the 
circumstances that led her to accept of the hospitalities of 
the Hall?" 

If you please." 

Ned drew a deep breath of relief. He intended to tell 
Mr. Bachman the truth eventually; but he wished to gain 
time, that the man who claimed to be his father should 
have ample time to escape. Therefore he went into a de- 
tailed account of the earlier events of the night, with which 
our readers are acquainted. Mr. Bachman listened atten- 
tively. 

** You did right in inviting Miss Dalton to the Hall," he 
said when the recital was ended. I am glad she is here 
under our protection," and he shook the girl kindly by the 
hand. 

Just here lights flashed under the window, searching the 
lawn below. Ned ran towards the window. Ere he could 
reach it, however, one of the servants holding a lighted 
lantern appeared, leaning over the window-sill, and looking 
into the room straight at Mr. Bachman. We find blood 
on the grass. Master," he said very gravely. But weVe 
seen no human being yet." 

At the word blood" Mr. Bachman fixed a piercing 
glance on Ned^s white face. The latter dropped into a 
chair again. Oh, call the men in," he moaned. 

Mr. Bachman hesitated a moment, then gave orders for 
the servants to desist from all search. They returned 
slowly and reluctantly to the house, congregating in the 
apartment in which our friends were waiting. Mr. Bach- 
man presently signed for them to go out. 


NED BACHMAN S7 

“1 wish to see my nephew alone for a moment,” he 
said. 

Hero and Nancy followed the others into the hall. The 
moment they were alone together Mr. Bachman approached 
Ned and paused before him. 

There is something very mysterious in all this,” he 
said gravely. Thieves have evidently sought to break 
into the house, and yet you are unwilling to have them 
pursued. Will you he good enough to tell me why?” 

For answer Ned held up one hand, in the palm of which 
lay the blood-stone ring. 

Do you recognize that?” he asked. 

Mr. Bachman^s face changed as he looked at the ring. 
^^Good God!” he cried out sharply. How came that 
bauble to be in your possession?” 

It was given to me this very night.” 

To-night? Impossible! That ring belonged to my 
brother Kobert, your father. I should know it among a 
thousand. It was an heirloom; and he would never will- 
ingly have parted with it.” 

I repeat my words: it was given to me this night.” 

Mr. Bachman caught his breath sharply. Then you 
must have seen Robert himself,” he cried. 

Perhaps. I do not know him. You would never tell 
me about him. Tell me now — tell me. Uncle George.” 

The elder man’s brow darkened. Your father dis- 
graced all of us,” he said in a low, stem voice. He com- 
mitted a forgery, was detected, and fled the country. I 
have never seen him since; and have never cared to speak 
his name, even to you, his innocent son.” 

He still lives?” 

I know not. He was in Paris the last I knew of him. 
Since then the report has come several times that he was 
dead. He wore the ring you hold in your hand when he 
went away so many years ago.” 


28 


NED BACHMAN. 


He does live/^ cried Hed, excitedly. He has been in 
this house to-night. 

Mr. Bachman recoiled. Great heavens!” Then slowly 
an awful suspicion seemed to creep upon him. He dropped 
into a chair panting for breath. 

‘‘ Tell me all that has happened within the last hour.” 

Ned told him; and the old gentleman’s face grew whiter 
as the recital went on. 

That was your father, poor boy,” he murmured at last. 
^^Oh, just Heaven, that Kobert should come back now, and 
a common burglar!” 

Meanwhile Hero and Nancy had lingered for a moment 
in the hall on quitting the room in obedience to Mr. Bach- 
man’s request. Nancy seemed dazed and bewildered. She 
stood leaning against the wall trembling, and evidently at 
a loss which way to turn. Hero laid one hand on the girl’s 
shoulder. She could not help pitying the frightened, guilty 
creature. 

Why did you unfasten the window by which one of the 
burglars gained admittance to the house?” Hero asked. 
*^You must have known what a wicked thing it was to 
do.” 

The girl cowered still closer to the wall. 

Don’t look at me like that, miss,” suddenly and vio- 
lently. I couldn’t help it. They put me there for that 
very purpose; and I don’t dare refuse to let them in when 
they give the signal.” 

Hero gazed at the girl with horror. 

You don’t mean to say that you are in the house for 
no other purpose than to assist thieves and cut-throats in 
their nefarious work?” 

But I do, miss,” was the sullen ahswer. They 
forced me to come here and tell the story I did, and find 
out all that was possible about the plate, and where master 
kept his money. I’ve done it more than once afore now.” 


NED BACHMAN 


29 


‘^Oh, you wicked, wicked girl!'^ 

""I don't care if you do call me wicked," was returned in 
a low, dogged tone. ""How could I help myself? God 
knows it isn't because I really want to be wicked that I do 
the bidding of those men. They'd kill me if I didn't obey 
them; and master and the rest will find some way to punish 
me because I did obey them. Oh, I wish I had run away 
with the Captain." 

""With the Captain?" 

""Yes; the man who talked so long with Mr. Ned. He's 
Captain Lavern. If I'd gone with him I'd have been safe 
with the Black Band by this time." 

Hero stared at her. 

"" What is the Black Band?" she asked. 

"" I won't tell," said Nancy, sullenly. 

"" It must be a secret organization of some kind." 

The girl was silent. ♦ 

""A band of cut-throats, perhaps?" 

Nancy still remained with her mouth shut tight. Hero 
looked at her attentively. The longer she looked the more 
she pitied her. 

"" Nancy," she said suddenly, "" the way is now clear for 
you to leave the house. I shall not seek to detain you. I 
am sorry for you, and can do nothing to make your lot 
harder to bear than it is now. Perhaps I am wrong to 
connive at your escape, but I do not believe that lam." 

"" I will go," cried Nancy, shaking off the lethargy that 
had held her powerless. "" God bless you, miss. The time 
may yet come when I can be of help to you." She turned 
and walked swiftly from the house, her eyes, as they last 
rested on Hero, glowing with gratitude and love. 


30 


NED BACHMAN. 


CHAPTER V. 

AT BKIAKMEEE. 

In the suburbs of New Orleans, and but a short distance 
from the Hall, the home of the Bachmans, stands an ele- 
gant private residence known as Briarmere. It was, at the 
time of our story, occupied by one Andre de Noir, a 
Frenchman, and his daughter Hortense. The neighbors 
shook their heads and looked wise when anything was said 
of Briarmere or its inmates. There is mystery ^out the 
house, about Monsieur de Noir, and about the charming 
Hortense herself. They exchange visits with none of their 
neighbors. During the day the blinds are drawn, and 
there is always an air of quiet and desolation about the 
place; hut when evening once sets in, numberless carriages 
roll in at the gates to deposit their inmates at the door. 
In fact, the place was a quiet gambling-hell. 

Nearly twenty -four hours previous to the events narrated 
in the first chapter of this tale, at the hour of sunset, Hor- 
tense de Noir was sitting in a richly furnished apartment 
at Briarmere, listlessly turning over the leaves of a novel. 
She was a marvel of sensuous beauty. The rich-hued din- 
ner-dress she wore was cut low in the neck, leaving a por- 
tion of her magnificent shoulders and bust exposed. Her 
skin was like alabaster in its transparency and purity. She 
was a dangerously beautiful woman. 

While she sat there, her head resting against one of her 
softly rounded arms, the room door was opened, and a 
man, tall, dark, and handsome, strode into the apartment. 
The man was Eugene Barton. He approached the reclin- 


NED BACHMAN 


31 


ing beauty, passed his arm around her waist, and even ven- 
tured to press a kiss upon her ruby lips. 

How fares it with the beautiful Hortense?” he asked in 
a caressing tone. 

^‘^'W’ell,^^ she replied briefly. 

^^How have you passed the day?^^ 

^^In sleeping, for the most part, as usual, and her lips 
parted in a dazzling smile. You know, Eugene, I am 
compelled to take by daylight what I am denied at night. 

Of course. What a charming bait you are, Hortense, 
for the goldflsh Monsieur de Hoir lures into his net.^' 

He laughed jeeringly. Hortense put her hand to his 
lips with a frown of displeasure. 

You should be the last person to reproach me, Eu- 
gene.” 

I do not wish to reproach you. Go on, my charmer, 
and fleece all the fools you please. It is nothing to me.” 

He spoke lightly, but his face was moody and clouded. 
The woman at his side looked at him long and earnestly. 

^^You are not yourself, Eugene, to-night,” she said at 
last. Has anything occurred to vex you 

^^Yes.” 

It is nothing I have done? You are not angry at me 
for encouraging Ned Bachman as I have done of late?” 

^'No; I wish you to encourage him. Much as I love 
you, Hortense, our relations must some day come to an 
end, and it is better that you should provide yourself with 
a husband against that time.” 

She flushed painfully, and bit her lips. ^‘I understand 
your meaning,” she said quickly. '^You are beginning to 
tire of me, and want a fresher victim. Well, I cannot 
blame you very much.” 

He looked at her keenly. DonT talk in that way, or I 
shall think you are jealous,” he returned. shall always 
be fond of you; but I canT marry you myself; and it was 


32 


NED BACHMAN 


your welfare I had in my mind when I spoke. Besides, 
Hortense, even if you were to take another man for a hus- 
band — Ned Bachman, for instance — I can^t see that our 
intimacy need cease entirely. 

She turned away her face. ^^You have not told me 
what it is that troubles you,^^ she said shortly and sharply. 

am coming to that directly. Ned Bachman is mixed 
up in the affair. In short, he has foiled me again — foiled 
me, and himself borne off the prize, my intended victim. 
She is now at the Hall.^^ 

Hortense started away from him in unfeigned astonish- 
ment. At the Hall?” she repeated. 

Yes; morel's the pity! You should have a finger in the 
pie, you see, as she may prove a dangerous rival to your 
ladyship. Have a care, my dear; your prospects of secur- 
ing a rich husband will he gone all of a sudden.” 

She laughed in a low, mirthless way. am not easily 
outgeneralled,” she said. 

No; perfectly true. But I wished to put you on your 
guard. How much does Bachman know of your real posi- 
tion in this house?” 

Very little. I have succeeded in arraigning his warm- 
est sympathies in my behalf. He has not a doubt of my 
innocence and truth, and thinks I am actually compelled 
by my father to lead this sort of life.” 

Humph! So much the better. Has he ever spoken of 
love to you?” 

Not directly; but he likes me immensely. A declara- 
tion has trembled on his lips more than once, but he has 
always restrained himself. I think he cannot wholly recon- 
cile himself to the equivocal position I occupy in society.” 

Barton rubbed his hands softly together — a sign with 
him that he was well pleased. 

Bring him to the point as soon as possible, Hortense. 
If you don% he will slip through your fingers. As for my 


NED BACHMAN. 


33 


part, ril take care to separate him from the girl of whom 
I spoke/^ 

“Doso/^ 

‘^‘ Now I have told you the first cause for my dejection; 
here^s to the second. The Black Band were unfortunate 
in their last venture.^' 

The Black Band!’’ 

^^Hush! not so loud, if you please. Perhaps you have 
heard the news.” 

“ I have heard nothing.” 

You know that plans had been laid for the Hall last 
night?” 

‘^Yes.” 

Captain Lavern and Dwis Cadelle were selected for 
that purpose. By some means they were discovered, and a 
shot was fired, the ball lodging in Cadelle’s arm. As for 
the Captain, he had a narrow escape of it; but after a hard 
struggle he managed to get away without injury worse than 
a few bruises.” 

And no plunder was brought away?” 

None. As I tell you, our pals themselves barely man- 
aged to escape.” 

Eugene Barton used the word ^^pals” designedly. It was 
a fact that, wealthy aristocrat though he was, he belonged 
to the secret organization known as the Black Band, of 
which Nancy made mention to Hero. 

Hortense de Noir, though a cultivated and delicately 
nurtured woman, also had her name enrolled in the annals 
of this strange and secret society, for it counted both sexes 
among its numbers. 

These two persons, Hortense and Barton, were really 
fond of each other, but they were far too sensible or 
worldly-wise to suffer this attachment to stand in the 
way. 

Barton was a married man, wedded to a woman several 


NED BACHMAN. 


u 

years older than himself, whom he had married, not for 
herself, but for the sake of her coupon-bonds and bank- 
stock. But the matrimonial bonds rested very lightly on 
his shoulders, and very few of his leisure moments were 
spent in the company of his wife. 

Hortense was the daughter of a French adventurer, gam- 
bler, and robber. At the date of our story he gave his 
name as Andre de Noir, and was supposed by people not 
acquainted with his real business to be a speculator and 
gentleman-at-large. She had been trained from her cradle 
in the path of crime. A handsome woman, but false and 
unscrupulous, stopping at nothing to gain her ends. Her 
love for Barton would last just so long as he furnished all 
the money she cared to spend, and did not interfere with 
any of her plans. 

In fact, they were a mutual help, a mutual benefit to 
each other in more than one sense of the term. 

Barton, after sitting for some time discussing the pros- 
pects for the future, rose to go. 

Play your cards well, Hortense,” he said at parting. 

I am especially anxious that you should become the wife 
of Ned Bachman.” 

^MVhy?” she asked. 

Because I hate the man, and because—” He hesitated, 
looking at her sharpl}^ ^‘^No matter for the other reason. 
Let it suffice that I wish to see you removed from this den 
and well settled in life.” 

“ Why don^’t you take me away yourself?” 

Impossible. My wife is already suspicious. There 
would be a discovery and trouble.” 

A little prussic acid would remove that difficulty.” 

He shuddered. I canT stoop to murder,” he said in a 
husky voice. 

^^Bah!” she cried contempfuously. ^^You^re wonder- 
fully scrupulous all at once. Never mind, though; Pm 


NEB BACHMAN 35 

quite ready to console myself with Xed Bachman. To be 
frank with you, I canT help liking the man.^^ 

And especially his wealth and position, returned Bar- 
ton, with a curl of the lips. 

Oh, of course those count for something. From this 
hour I intend to struggle desperately for the privilege of 
being made his wife.^^ 

‘^^What then?” said Barton, with lowering brow. A 
cold, sneering smile played around his lips. 

^^Then,” she answered, may perhaps reform, play 
the model wife, and so forget that I was ever an inmate of 
a gambling-hell and Eugene Barton^s mistress.” 

He burst into a loud, coarse laugh. You reform!” he 
repeated sneeringly. There is no fear of that. So play 
your cards as skilfully as you choose, h’m not afraid of 
losing the sunshine of your smiles, fair one. Where there 
is passion in the blood it will work itself out. Married or 
single, you still remain Eugene Barton^s mistress until you 
give up the ghost.” 

And having given utterance to the words, he sauntered 
leisurely into an inner room where the tables of rouge-et-noir 
were waiting, it being yet too early for the frequenters of 
the place to arrive. 


CHAPTER VI. 

FATHER AHD SON. 

The unexpected discovery that his father still lived, and 
in the person of a common thief and burglar, completely 
overwhelmed Hed. Heretofore his father’s name had been 
prohibited in his .uncle’s household, and Ned had gradually 
come to think of him as being dead. Guilty wretch 
though the man was, it was not possible for Ned to remain 


m 


NED BACHMAN 




iiidiffereut to the person who had been instrumental in 
giving him life. He soon determined to seek out his father 
in the low haunts he was likely to frequent, and do his 
utmost to reclaim him. He searched long and patiently 
without success; and he was about to give up in despair, 
thinking, perhaps, that his father had left the country, 
when one day as he was about passing one of the principal 
streets of the city, he met the object of his search face to 
face. 

Kobert Bachman seemed very much startled at the en- 
counter, and endeavored to elude an interview; but IS’ed 
grasped him by the coat-sleeve and held him fast. 

You shall not elude me now, father, he said resolutely. 
‘^1 have been seeking you too long for that.^^ 

At the word father,” a singular smile played around the 
man^s handsome lips, and he ceased at once to struggle. 

You^’re a queer one, Ned. And so you do care just a 
little for the man who helped bring you into being?” 

The young man^s face whitened. 

I cannot forget the tie that binds us.” 

Humph! you really mean it, Ned? You are not set- 
ting a trap to give me up to justice?” and he looked sharply 
and suspiciously at his companion. 

Do you think me capable of such treachery towards 
you, father?” 

The man laughed in an easy, assured way. 

^^No, no, I‘il not distrust you, my boy; youh’e true to 
the back-bone. But I see youVe got something to say to 
me; and as we can’t talk here. I’ll show the way to a place 
where we can converse without fear of interruption.” 

He led the way down a neighboring alley and into a 
second street, finally descending the steps leading to an 
underground drinking-saloon. Ned shuddered at being 
led into such a place, but followed his father without an in- 
stant’s hesitation. 


NED BACHMAN. 


37 


The saloon was but a common basement, filled up with a 
bar and half a dozen small tables. At one of the latter Rob- 
ert Bachman seated himself, and signed for Ned to take a 
chair opposite his own. 

Now, my dear boy, tell me why you were searching for 
me."’"’ 

‘^Is it* so very strange that I should wish to find my own 
father asked Ned, bitterly. 

Perhaps not; though I canT pretend to enter into your 
feelings in that respect. Now that youNe found me, what 
do you want?^^ 

Ned drew a deep breath. 

I wish to entreat you to mend your ways, and lead an 
honest life,” he said after some hesitation. 

With everybody, even my own brother George, against 
me, and flinging the past perpetually in my face, really, my 
dear boy, I canT see it.” 

^nVhat should we care for Uncle George, or for anybody 
else? AVe will go away from New Orleans, and begin life 
anew in some place where we are not known.” 

The handsome sinner gazed at his son in amaze- 
ment. 

Would you really do that?” he said. ^AYould you 
cast your fortunes with mine?” 

Yes, if you would only promise to reform.” 

George would disinherit you.” 

I know that.” 

You would sacrifice wealth and position.” 

No matter.” 

Robert Bachman brought his hand down upon the table 
with resounding force. 

^^By Jove! boy, you are a noble one. If things were a 
little different,” and here a shade passed over his face, 
might be tempted to listen to you ; but now it is of no use. 
If you had plenty of money at your command, it would be 


38 


NED BACHMAN 




different; but starvation in a garret never sat well on my 
stomach/^ 

Ned could scarcely conceal his disgust. 

Will you not listen to me?^^ he said, making a last ap- 
peal. I am young and strong and not afraid to work. 
I will give all my energies to the work of your redemp- 
tion." 

A cruel sneer curled the man’s lips. 

Is this all you have to say to me? Have you no other 
object in seeking me out?" 

^^None," he returned sadly. He lowered his eyes 
thoughtfully. 

How long have you been in this country?" he said sud- 
denly. ‘ 

Two or three years." 

And I never guessed you were here until that night!" 

Eobert Bachman smiled. 

'^My loving relations thought I was six feet under 
ground, and it suited my purpose that they should con- 
tinue to think so until the time came for me to reveal my- 
self to them.” 

‘"Has it come now?" 

“ It came that night at the Hall. I was in a tight place, 
and saw only one way of getting out of it. No matter; it 
only precipitated things a little. I had already made up 
•my mind to seek you out." 

“And you were thereto rob your own brother?" 

“ Humph! I knew that George had money and valuable 
plate in the house; and a fellow must live, you know." 

“Good heavens!" 

“You seem surprised." 

“ I am surprised and humiliated," said Henry in a sad 
tone. 

He suddenly extended one hand across the table and laid 
it on his father^s arm. 


NED BACUMAN 


39 


it true that you belong to a band of organized rob- 
bers and desperadoes P'"’ 

The man nodded. 

What^s the use of keeping a close tongue with you, 
Ned; you^’ll not dare betray me?” 

No, I shall not betray you.” 

Then here goes for a confession. I am a member of a 
secret confederation known as the Black Band. We — ” 

The Black Band I” 

^^Hush! Yes, that’s the name. The object of the or- 
ganization I do not choose to reveal just at present. You 
know one of them already — plunder.” 

^^Yes, yes.” 

I am at the head of the Black Band, and known to its 
members as Lavern.” 

The man seemed to feel no shame in thus relating his 
crimes to his son, but rather to plume himself upon his bad 
actions, as though they were something honorable and 
glorious. Yed averted his face. 

Tell me no more,” he said in a low, weary tone of voice. 

Lavern the cracksman, for thus we shall call him in the 
future, shrugged his shoulders whimsically, lie seemed to 
have formed a sudden resolution. 

I might as well make a clean breast of it,” he said after 
a brief silence, ^^so to be frank, I want your help.” 

^Oly help?” 

Yes,” sullenly. ^‘1 know that my brother George has 
several thousand dollars locked in the desk of his study.” 

Ned started. His father had spoken truly. 

‘^How did you know that?” he asked quickly. 

^^No matter. I want that money. I wanted it the other 
night when I came so near getting into trouble. George 
would never miss it, and it would do me worlds of good. 
You have been urging me to reform and lead an honorable 
life. On one condition I will listen to you,” 


40 


NED BACHMAN 


The young man started up from his chair ghastly white. 
And that condition he asked Just above his breath. 

Lavern rose also, his blue eyes glittering strangely; and 
putting his lips close to Ned^s ear, he said. 

It is that you get that money for me.'’^ Then he drew 
back a pace or two, watching the effect of his words. 

Bring me that money, he added, ^‘^and I give you my 
word of honor that I will reform. 


CHAPTEK VII. 

LAVERN THE CRACKSHAN. 

^'AVhat do you say broke out Lavern, half angrily. 

Will you get me the money or not?” 

Ned was expecting the base proposition, but he re- 
coiled in spite of himself. 

^^AVhat!” he cried sharply. You wish me to steal the 
money? You wish to make a thief out of your own son?” 

Lavern gave a disdainful laugh. 

AVhy not? You only take what is sure to be your own 
some day, if George makes you his heir. Besides, you 
neednT be squeamish in regard to the matter. Remember, 
your father is a thief before you.” 

“Impossible.” 

“Well, you have heard my proposition. Bring me the 
loose thousands which I know are lying in George^s desk 
this moment, and I will shake off my old associates, go 
away from New Orleans, and lead an honest life.” 

“ What you ask of me is too much. Rob my uncle who 
has been so kind to me! Father, it is impossible. I am 
willing to give up my life, if need be, for your salvation, 
but to betray the confidence of my benefactor, I will not.” 


NED BACHMAN. 


41 


You won^t do what I ask of you?^^ 

I will not steal, even for you/^ 

Bah!^^ and he laid his hand heavily on Node’s arm, and 
a dark, villainous look showed itself on his face. You 
dare not betray me!^'’ he hissed between his teeth. 

“ I repeat, I shall not betray your confidence. 

Lavern seemed very much relieved by this assurance. 
Ilis features relaxed, and a cunning smile parted his lips. 

“ Of course you won% my hoy. You wouldn^’t like to 
see your father jugged? Of course you wouldn’t. I’ll 
trust you.” 

^‘^But I’ll not trust you,” the young man thought. 

Lavern studied the young man’s face thoughtfully for 
some moments. I’ll win him over,” he muttered under 
his breath. But my first advances must be made with 
caution. This is a timid bird. That parental dodge is 
just the thing for my purpose. It will bring him to terms 
when nothing else could.” Then he added aloud, 

‘^‘^We’d better take leave of each other for the present, 
my boy. But I must see you again. You will come to 
this place at four o’clock to-morrow afternoon?” 

Yes,” said Ned, after a moment’s hesitation, I will 
come,” and he left the saloon, leaving his father at the 
table calling for more liquor. 

Ned had no faith in Tavern’s promises. With the money 
he coveted once in his possession, the cunning rogue was 
sure to snap his fingers in Ned’s face. lie kept his own 
counsel, therefore. But he strangely kept silent and taci- 
turn; so much so that both his Uncle George and Hero, 
who was yet at the Hall, noticed it, and suspected the 
cause. 

Punctually at four o’clock the next day he went to the 
underground saloon. The Captain was there before him, 
sitting at one of the dingy little tables, leisurely sipping his 
liquor. This time he made quite a show of affectionate in- 


42 


NED BACHMAN 


terest, and persisted in calling Ned my dear boy/^ my 
long-lost son/^ etc., nearly every minute. The interview 
was less protracted than that of the day before. Captain 
Lavern seeming anxious to get away. When they rose to 
take leave of each other,, he said, with well-assumed earn- 
estness, 

I am very anxious that we should know each other bet- 
ter, my dear boy. It seems hard that father and son should 
be separated so long. You feel this as sensibly as I do?” 

Yes, yes.” 

Then we must contrive to see as much of each other as 
may be; and to-morrow night, if you would like to go, I 
will take you to my present quarters.” 

AVhere is that?” 

Captain Lavern smiled knowingly. Come to this place 
to-morrow evening at dusk, and you shall find out for 
yourself.” 

Ned did not like the expression of his father^s face as he 
gave utterance to the invitation. There was something 
furtive and treacherous in the gleam of those handsome 
blue eyes of his. 

Why should I come? What good will these secret in- 
terviews accomplish?” 

That remains to be seen. Have you curiosity to see 
the place your father calls home?” 

^^Yes.” 

^^Then do not hesitate. You are doing me good, my 
son, by your presence merely. You may be of incalculable 
benefit in the future.” 

The villain’s words had a double meaning. 

Oh, that I might be!” said Ned. 

Then try to oblige your poor father in this respect. I 
wish to welcome you to my humble domicile. It will be a 
real pleasure to welcome you under my own roof for once. 
You will come?” 


NED BACHMAN 


43 


Yes, I will go/’ !N'ed said, as much to himself as to his 
father. 

It was evident that he distrusted Captain Lavem’s suave 
speeches, and suspected that some plot was on foot for the 
purpose of obtaining the money the Captain coveted. 

Captain Lavern chuckled, shook hands wdth the young 
man with more effusion than ever, and went away somewhat 
hurriedly. He evidently thought he had gained a point. 

Ned prepared to follow him. The last few words had 
been exchanged close to the door of the saloon; and after 
his companion had left, Ned went slowly up the steps lead- 
ing to the street. He had scarcely reached the pavement, 
when a woman with a veil drawn over her face slipped 
quickly from a doorway of a neighboring building and ap- 
proached. 

^'What did that man want of you, Mr. Bachman?” she 
asked. 

Ned started. He instantly recognized the voice. 

Miss Dalton!” he cried in a tone of amazement. 

Hush!” and she made a sign of caution. ‘'^Answer my 
question, if you please.” 

The young man was silent for a moment. Come away 
from this hateful neighborhood,” he said presently, and 
I will tell you what you wish to know.” 

She took his arm, and they made their way into one of 
the more populous streets. Ned was the first to begin the 
conversation. 

^AYhy are you here. Miss Dalton?” he asked. 

; “I followed you,” she answered naively. 

^'What for? Do you not know the peril you are in in 
appearing in the streets unprotected? Barton might dis- 
cover you.” 

am disguised, you perceive.” 

Hero still kept her veil lowered. Ned gently pressed her 
hand, 


44 


NED BACHMAN 


‘^Nevertheless it was a hazardous expedition on your 
part to come here from the Hall alone/^ he said. Why 
did you do it?^^ 

followed you because I knew that you were coming 
hither to meet that man, and I was afraid that something 
might happen to you.^^ 

Ned looked pleased, and a flush mounted to his very 
ears. 

And you even faced peril for my sake. God bless you, 

Heror 

She was trembling more violently than ever, but she 
made a brave effort to regain her self-control. They were 
fast verging on a dangerous subject, and she had the tact 
to turn the conversation in another direction. 

You have not answered my question,’^ she said abruptly. 

What did that man have to say to you?^^ 

I have promised to visit him at his present habitation 
to-morrow evening. 

^^You have?^^ Her tone indicated surprise and conster- 
nation. 

^^Yes. Was it unwise of me?” 

I think so, very.” 

You recognized the man?” 

Yes. He was the same who was thwarted in the bur- 
glarious attempt at the Hall a few nights since. ” 

^^He is.” 

And the same who pretends to be your father.” 

Ned started. Who pretends to be?” he repeated. 

What do you mean?” 

You have no positive evidence of what he asserts. And 
if he is your father, I think you should shun him, since ap- 
pearances indicate that he is trying to lead you into danger 
of some sort. Remember his past history! The man is an 
outcast, and has been for years. When you first fell in 
with him he was engaged in an attempt to plunder his own 


NED BACHMAN 


45 


brother! Surely, there can be very few germs of good in 
such a man/’ 

Henry groaned, “I fear as much.” 

You would do right in shunning him.” 

Alas! as vile as he is, I cannot throw him off altogether. 
I feel that he is my father, and I must at least make an at- 
tempt to reclaim him; and to do that, it is best that I 
should fill all my appointments with him.” 

Hero ceased to argue the question, though she suspected 
Lavem’s motive in following up Ned so closely. 

The young man called a hack, and the two drove back 
to the Hall together. Even in the perplexity and pertur- 
bation of the moment he could not help feeling an inex- 
pressible thrill of happiness at the thought that Hero had 
manifested so deep an interest in his safety. The girl was 
growing dearer to him every day they were together. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

KED AND THE SIREN. 

When Ned reached the Hall, he found a note waiting for 
him. It contained only these words: 

Why have you neglected me so completely of late? I 
am longing to see you. Will you not come to see me early 
this evening?” 

A guilty flush rose to Ned’s temples on reading this 
brief epistle ; he felt that he deserved the reproaches it 
contained, as he had not been near Briarmere for several 
days. He felt a strange repugnance to renewing his visits 
to the fair enchantress; and yet he had been accustomed 
to go to Briarmere nearly every day. He did not acknowl- 
edge, even to himself, that Hero Dalton had been instru- 


46 


NEB BACHMAN 


mental in opening his eyes to the falsity of his passion. 
But though he shrank from meeting Hortense, he could 
not well disregard the summons; so he dressed himself for 
the visit. 

Hortense sat alone in the handsome parlor when he 
reached Briarmere. The twilight shadows were just begin- 
ning to gather, and the rooms devoted to karte and rouge- 
et-noir were silent as so many tombs when he passed them. 
The fair Circe looked surpassingly lovely. She was dressed 
in some soft fleecy material that left exposed her rounded 
arms and shoulders, a carmine stain burned in either cheek, 
and her eyes fairly dazzled him with their brilliancy, as she 
extended both slim white hands in greeting. 

You are here at last, Ned/^ she murmured. It seems 
an age since I have seen you.” 

Why did you send for me?” he said after he returned 
the compliment. 

He made a movement to seat himself by her side; but she 
stopped him with a motion of her hand. 

‘^^Not here,” she cried. cannot talk here, and I have 
much to say to you. Come with me into the garden; we 
will be less liable to interruption there.” 

She led the way from the house, and immediately struck 
into a path that conducted into a remote part of the gar- 
den. 

^^I^m going to have you all to myself,” she said with a 
forced laugh. ^^For a few blissful moments I will flee 
from my misery.” 

Misery?” he repeated. 

Ah, do I puzzle you, Ned? No matter; you shall soon 
understand me better.” 

In the most remote quarters of the grounds stood a single 
pavilion, shut in by trees and shrubbery. It was built of 
stone, with only one window on the lower floor — a small 
grated affair. A low door studded with iron nails was the 


NED BACHMAN 


47 


only means of ingress or egress. Hortense approached 
this door, produced a key from the pocket of her dress and 
turned it in the lock. 

‘^Let us mount to the to23 of the tower/^ in a tone of 
voice that jarred strangely on the ears of her companion. 
It is cooler there; besides we will have the place all to our- 
selves on this evening.^’ 

She passed in, leaving the key in the lock, on the outside. 
Ned followed her over a smooth stone floor, half groping 
his way, for the shadows were already deep and black in 
the cell-like place. A spiral iron staircase ascended from 
the middle of the lower room to the roof of the tower, which 
was surrounded by an iron railing. They mounted the 
stairs to the roof, Hortense taking a seat on one of a num- 
ber of rude benches which were arranged around inside 
the railing, and motioned for Ned to take a seat by her side. 
Ned was touched by her suffering, and taking her hand, 
pressed it gently. How was he to know that she was only 
playing a part to accomplish his ruin — only seeking to en- 
tangle him inextricably in the meshes of the nefarious 
plot? 

^^Let me open my whole heart to you, she whispered. 

You are the only friend I have in all this vile place.^' 

Speak freely, Hortense," he said. 

I will. The time for concealment has gone by. You 
must have guessed much of the miserable truth already, 
and I wish you to hear it all from my lips." 

You refer to the business that is carried on in Briar, 
mere?" 

Yes. Oh, it is horrible!" and she shuddered witli well- 
counterfeited disgust. I would a thousand times rather 
die than play the part I am compelled to play. I am made 
a bait, a lure, by which foolish dupes are enticed to yonder 
hell. Oh my God, it is terrible!" 

^^So there is no help for you?" 


48 


NED BACHMAN. 


^‘None. My father is hard and unscrupulous. He 
would be very angry did he know what I have told you. 
It is he that compels me to lead the life I do/'’ 

You might appeal to the authorities.^^ 

No, no; I dare not do that. My father would kill me, 
if he were compelled to wait a score of years before striking 
the fatal blow/'’ 

Ned’s face flushed with honest indignation. 

Will you not let me help you, Hortense?” he cried im- 
pulsively. Will you not let me take you away from that 
bad, heartless man?” 

She lifted her eyes quickly to his face, then dropped 
them again in seeming modest confusion. 

How would you take me away, Ned?” she asked softly, 
sweetly. 

^‘Surely,” he began, with difficulty suppressing the burn- 
ing words which thronged to his lips, “ I can give you a 
brother’s support, a brother’s protection. I can — He 
paused in unaffected confusion, as the sound as of muffled 
footsteps became audible in the garden below. Scarcely 
knowing why he did so, Ned ran to the railing and looked 
down in the direction whence the sounds proceeded. Twi- 
light had deepened rapidly and it was quite dark, but he felt 
assured that he saw a man’s figure disappearing in the shrub- 
bery at a little distance from the tower. Singular as it 
may appear, he at once thought of Eugene Barton. 

I fear that we have been followed and watched,” he 
said in a low tone of voice, turning to his companion. 

^ ^ Who could have followed ?” said Hortense. My father 
was not likely to do that; he has no suspicion of the nature 
of our intimacy, and the servants would hardly play the 
spy on my movements.” 

'^And yet I am sure I saw a man in the garden, and he 
could have no business there at this time of day unless it 
was to play the spy.” 








50 NED BACHMAN 

Are you sure you saw some one?^^ asked Hortense, who 
had become strangely pale and frightened. 

Let us return to the house/^ lie said in a changed tone 
of voice. ^^The hour is late to be in this part of the 
grounds.” 

Hortense rose, still trembling in every limb. She clung 
close to her companion’s arm while they descended the 
stairs together. They found the room below wrapped in 
almost impenetrable darkness. Ned uttered a sudden ex- 
clamation. 

am sure we left the outside door ajar on going up.” 

We did.” 

And it is closed now. How dark it is!” 

Ned groped his way to the door and easily found 
the latch. It could be raised without difficulty, but the 
door would not yield an inch. It had been locked from 
the outside. A cry of anger burst from Ned’s lips. 

There has been a spy upon our movements!” he ex- 
claimed, ^^and we are locked in this gloomy place.” 

‘^Good heavens! Who could have locked the door?” 

‘‘Eugene Barton, no doubt. I feel sure of the man, 
now; but how he happened to be in this vicinity is more 
than I can tell. He has threatened me more than once 
already, and this is one proof of his malicious hatred.” 

Hortense answered nothing, though a strange smile 
played about her lips which the darkness concealed. Ned 
beat upon the door several times with his fists and called 
out several times, but the wall of the place seemed to stifie 
his voice, for it died away in hollow echoes. He felt sure 
that the sounds could not penetrate to any distance. 

“ We must go back to the roof of the tower,” he said, af- 
ter several futile attempts to summon assistance. “It will 
be pleasanter waiting there than in this damp, dismal 
room.” 

They ascended the stairs. Overhead now was a purple 


NEB BACHMAN 


51 


arch of stars, and the last rose-red flush of sunset had faded 
from the western sky. At no great distance the lights of 
the city could be seen twinkling through openings in the 
shrubbery. Ilortense flung herself upon the floor at Ned^s 
feet, resting her clasped hands over his knee. 

How still, how deathly still it seems,'" she murmured 
shiveringly. 

^^Yes, it is very uncomfortable to be shut up here." 

“ Must we remain here long, Ned?" 

Unless some one comes to our assistance we must re- 
main until morning," he answered gravely. 

no, no, Ned; don't say that. lYe must go back. 
Shout for help; somebody must hear you!" 

‘^Be calm, Hortense. You know as well as I do that the 
grounds are deserted after nightfall. Unless the man who 
locked us in should come to our assistance, there is no hope 
for us." 

^^Ohmy God! I am lost, lost!" she moaned in well-af- 
fected despair. 

Lost?" repeated Ned. 

Yes, if I am compelled to remain here alone with you 
all night long." 

He started violently, the hot blood rushing to his very 
brow. Have you no faith in my honor, Hortense ?" he 
asked reproachfully. Do you think me base enough to 
take advantage of your present position?" 

^^No, no." 

Then calm yourself." 

It is not you I fear, Ned," she murmured. But don't 
you see, don't you comprehend my position? The world 
judges harshly one's actions; and if I should remain alone 
with you this night, to-morrow morning I shall be more 
irreparably ruined in the eyes of the world than a score of 
years of constant contact with the vile characters who 
frequent my father's saloons could ruin me." 


52 


KED BACHMAN. 


The young man shuddered, and a cold perspiration broke 
out upon his forehead. He comprehended the full force of 
the beautiful schemer’s reasoning. '"True, true,” he 
muttered. 

" Oh, Ned, pity me.” 

"Do not despair,” said Ned, soothingly. "Your father 
and others will miss you from the rooms; they may come 
directly hither in search of you.” 

" Oh, no, they will not; I feel assured they will not; and 
the enemy who has locked us in here is sure to make mat- 
ters look as bad as possible. God help me, for I am a 
ruined woman !” 

There was a breathless silence. Hortense had reached 
the pinnacle of her acting. Would she win the game, or 
would Ned escape the trap so skilfully set for him? 

"Not so,” he said with a long, gasping sigh as he lifted 
the bowed head of the siren and pressed a burning kiss 
upon her lips. "Not so; I will save your good name by 
making you my wife. I can do no less after this fatal 
night’s events. Hortense, will you be my wife ?” 

She had conquered, and the trap set by her and Eugene 
Barton had secured the victim. Ned Bachman had prom- 
ised to make her his wife. 

All night long, Ned and the fair temptress who had be- 
trayed him sat there under the purple heavens, clasped in 
each other's arms. No one came to disturb them, they heard 
no unusual sounds, and yet when they descended to the 
ground-floor of the tower in the morning they found the 
key in the lock and the door standing wide of)en. They 
walked to the house and rung the bell. 

"I shall ask to see your father,” said Ned while waiting 
for the servant to make his appearance, "and I shall ex- 
plain everything to him at once, and let him know our pur- 
pose.” 

" Not to-day,” pleaded Hortense. "Come to-morrow, if 


NED BACHMAN 


m 


you choose, and corroborate the story I myself shall tell. 
I am tired and must rest to-day.” 

Xed hesitated an instant, but finally walked reluctantly 
away. 


CHAPTER IX. 

m THE DEX OF THE BLACK BAKD. 

Ned BACHMA^q’ passed a wretched. day on returning 
from Briarmere. He was a prey to the alternate emotions 
of anguish and despair. He had been forced into an en- 
gagement with Hortense de Noir much against his will. 
She plotted successfully, and he had not been left a loop- 
hole for escape. He was too much of a man of honor to 
break his word to her, although, a,lasl too late he knew he 
loved another. And yet he was resolved to keep his ap- 
pointment with the man who claimed to be his father. 

Ten o^cfock had struck when he reached the underground 
saloon that had been the former place of meeting. Cap- 
tain Lavern was there before him, waiting on the steps 
without, and an exclamation of satisfaction burst from his 
lips when he saw and recognized our hero. 

You came, of course, with the intention of accompany- 
ing me to my lodgings,” he said, after they had shaken 
hands and passed the compliments of the day. 

Yes. Let us be off. I^m not any too fond of our 
present neighborhood.” 

Humph!” chuckled the Captain. ^'You ought to fa- 
miliarize yourself with such places, just as I do.” 

He began to move away, however, even as he spoke. 
They were followed, though they knew it not, by a stealthy 


54 


NED BACHMAN 


figure enveloped in the folds of a huge cloak — a figure that 
dogged their footsteps with the persistency of a shadow. 

Captain Lavern led the Avay along several narrow and 
gloomy streets, until they passed before the iron-clamped 
door of what had once been a low public-house, but it was 
now apparently uninhabited. 

Here we are at last,’’^ he said, with a grim smile of sat- 
isfaction. 

You do not lodge here cried Ned, in tones of unaf- 
fected amazement. 

You shall see for yourself. 

Captain Lavern looked carefully up and down the alley 
to assure himself that nobody was in sight. The dark fig- 
ure that had shadowed them had suddenly squeezed itself 
into an angle of a wall less than half a dozen yards distant, 
and the Captain failed to discover the watcher. Convinced 
that no one was observing them, the clever villain stepped 
close up to the door and gave four peculiar taps upon it 
with his knuckles. After a brief delay bolts were heard to 
slide back in their sockets, and the door was opened two or 
three inches, and a low voice inside said, 

‘^What^s wanted?’^ 

^*1 want admittance for m 3 -self and a friend. 

AVho are you?^^ 

Number One."” 

At these words the door was fiung wide open, and the 
unseen speaker was seen on the sill — a small, misshapen 
man, whose figure was scarcely visible against the dark 
background of the passage beyond. 

""All right, he said cheerily. Come in, Captain.” 

Captain Lavern entered the doorway, and Ned followed, 
the figure closing the door behind them. 

Let us now turn pur attention to the figure we saw fol- 
lowing Ned and his villainous guide — the figure that had 
dropped into an angle of the wall so suddenly when the two 


NED BACHMAN 


55 


- 


men had halted before the door of the old public-house. 
Fifteen or twenty minutes went by and still the figure 
stood squeezed into the angle of the wall, waiting patiently, 
evidently to make sure that the two men would not come 
out again. At last it moved slightly, drew a deep breath, 
and crept out to the sidewalk once more, where it stopped. 
At this moment a ray of light from the window of an ad- 
joining house fell upon the face, and revealed that of Hero 
Dalton. 

Why was she here, and at this hour of the night? Hero’s 
heart was given up to Ned. He had saved her from a fate 
worse than death, and she was more than grateful. She 
dreaded Captain’s Lavern’s infiuence over the young man, 
and she had determined to save him at whatever hazard to 
herself. She had discovered from Ned the time and place 
where he was to meet Lavern the cracksman, and had 
reached the underground saloon before them. AVe have 
seen how she had tracked them from the door of the saloon 
to the place they entered. 

For some minutes after Ned and Captain Lavern had 
disappeared within the house, she found herself incapable 
of motion; but her strength came back to her at last, and 
she stepped upon the sidewalk and approached the door. 

It was closed and secured on the inside, as in the first 
instance. She recalled the nature of the four peculiar raps 
Captain Lavern had given, and imitated them as exactly as 
possible. The effect was magical. Back shot the bolts, 
open swung the door, and she was questioned precisely as 
those who had entered in advance of her had been. In the 
face of all these dangers she became calm, cool, resolute. 
Only for an instant did she hesitate. 

^‘Push ahead, young woman,” said the voice of the 
dwarf, for it was he again who stood at the door. Don’t 
keep me standing here all night.” 

She entered a hall so dark and dismal that it was impos- 






56 NED BACHMAN 

sible for one not accustomed to the place to find their way 
along the hall after the closed door had shut out the uncer- 
tain light of the alley. Her heart throbbed loud and fast 
with fear, but she managed to maintain her self-possession, 
and said in a quiet voice, 

I can^t see my way in this miserable place.” 

Catch hold of my hand, my girl. I can find my way 
in the dark.” 

Shudderingly she obeyed. The dwarfs cold fingers 
coiled round her own like the coils of a snake, and he led 
her along what seemed in the darkness to be a winding' 
passage. 

^^Who are you, my duck?” he questioned as they pro- 
ceeded. I couldnT see your face very well at the door, 
of course, but your voice is strange.” 

I’m a friend of the man you let in about half an hour 
since,” she answered. 

Captain Lavern?” 

Hero was compelled to return an affirmative answer, 
though she really had referred to Ned. 

^‘Ha, ha!” chuckled the dwarf, contemptuously. I 
reckon you told the truth. Any number of young women 
come here to see Captain Lavern. He’s the devil of a fel- 
low among the petticoats, he is.” 

Hero wisely remained silent. 

The dwarf suddenly drew nearer. 

Take care! Here are the steps, remember.” 

She counted ten of them. At the top her guide sud- 
denly pushed open a door, ushered her into a lighted room, 
in which three or four persons were sitting at a table play- 
ing cards. While she stood hesitating and half blinded 
by the sudden light, a familiar voice cried out, close to her 
elbow. 

Lord bless us and save us, if it ain’t Miss Dalton!” 

It was the voice of the girl Nancy, the one who had as- 


NED BACHMAN 


57 


sisted the robbers to effect an entrance to the Hall, and 
whom Hero bad allowed to escape afterward. 

Hero turned to speak to her, but at that instant there 
was a rush of feet in her direction, and she heard several 
voices shout angrily in concert, 

A spy! a spy! Knife her! d her, somebody! Don^t 

let her escape!” 


CHAPTER X. 

A FRIEXD IFT NEED. 

Kill her! kill her!” yelled the angry voices close to 
her ear. ^^Who let her in?” 

Nancy came to her relief, interposing her own slight 
form between our heroine and the angry mob that menaced 
her. 

Back with you!” cried the intrepid girl. ^^AVhy are 
you in such a fury? I know the young woman, and will 
answer for her she is no spy.” 

Oh,” said a voice, she’s a friend of yours, Nancy?” 

“Yes,” she answered boldly, “a friend of mine.” 

“And a new member?” 

“ Of course. Clear out, will you, and leave her alone?” 

The moment they departed, Nancy turned around and, 
looking eagerly at Hero, said in a whisper, 

“In heaven’s name, why are you here?” 

“ I followed Ned Bachman. I thought some harm was 
intended him.” 

A strange smile flitted over the girl’s sullen face. 

“You are mad,” she muttered. “You must go back 
this instant. I’ll let you out.” 

“ I must see and speak to Mr. Bachman before. I go.” 


58 


Is ED BACHMAN. 


^‘You cannot. Come with me. In another minute it 
will be too late.” 

She attempted to drag Hero to the door by which she 
had entered, but the latter pushed off her clinging hands. 

I^m not afraid; and I will not go until I see Ned.” 

You don^’t know what you say,” whispered Nancy, ex- 
citedly. You can^t guess what sort of place you are in. 
You will be murdered if you are discovered here. So sure 
as my name^s Nancy, I’m telling you the truth.” 

^^You would help me to escape?” 

^^Yes.” 

Why are you so very anxious?” 

Because I like you. You were good and kind to me 
after that little affair at the Hall, and I don’t forget it. 
Only say you’ll go, and I’ll let you out, if they flay me alive 
for it.” 

^^They are a part of the Black Band of whom you told 
me that night at the Hall?” 

Yes, they are; and they’ll be down on you in a moment 
if you don’t leave.” 

All the time they had been talking three or four scowl- 
ing men had been glaring at them from one side of the 
room, and now, as if moved by common impulse, they came 
rushing up to them again. 

You’ve lied to us, Nancy. That young woman ain’t no 
pal of ours. She’s a spy. You’re trying to help her off.” 

They gathered around Hero, and were about to drag 
Nancy away from her, when a door opened near the other 
end of the apartment, and a new actor appeared upon the 
scene. He strode forward with a hasty, impatient step. 

^‘What’s the meaning of this disturbance?” he said, in a 
loud, angry tone of voice. 

Then the circle parted, and Hero found herself face to 
face with Eugene Barton. 

AVell met, Miss Dalton,” he said, bowing low. 


NED BACHMAN 


59 


She answered nothing. At first she seemed to have been 
stricken dumb. 

I was longing to see you, my charmer/' he said inso- 
lently, ^‘and presto! here you are. How did you get in 
here? Explain the mystery, I entreat." 

For answer she disdainfully averted her face. 

This lady is my prize," he said, turning to the assem- 
bled group, and I wish you all to distinctly understand as 
much. Fall back, there, every one of you ! I'll not have 
her interfered with by any one of you." 

She'll peach on us," said one man, doggedly. 

No, she wo'nt do anything of the sort. I will person- 
ally answer for all the harm that befalls the band by means 
of her. Where is Peggy?" 

“Here I am," said one of the women, stepping forward. 

“ I wish to speak with you." 

The two stepped to one side and conversed in whispers 
for a few moments. At the close of the conference they 
approached Hero and placed themselves on either side of 
her. 

“ You are to go with us," said Barton, briefly. 

“Where?" 

She lifted her eyes in helpless appeal as she asked this 
question. 

“Come, and you will find out." 

She recoiled and attempted to break away from the 
strong hands that held her. 

“For God's sake, don’t detain me here!" she cried in a 
tone of piteous appeal. “ I must find Xed Bachman. I 
must save him from the man that is plotting his ruin." 

Barton turned upon her with a savage leer. 

“So that's your game, eh?" he said, between his teeth. 
“I just comprehend the motive that brought you to this 
place." 

Then with ready insolence he threiv his arm around her 


60 


NED BACUMAN 


waist and dragged her towards the door by which he had 
just entered the apartment. Hero ceased to struggle, 
ceased to plead with him, for she saw how useless it would 
be to do either. 

Peggy pushed on ahead up a flight of stairs and along a 
gloomy passage, from the far end of which a door with a 
massive lock might be seen. Barton followed close behind 
her, his vise-like grip still fastened on Hero’s arm. 

Do you see what Fm going to do with you?” he whis- 
pered. You are to be shut up in yonder apartment until 
you are ready to yield yourself to me. Bachman isn’t 
here to help you, either. The people who frequent this 
house are my friends. You have nothing to expect from 
them, nothing from my clemency, if you will not sub- 
mit. Now, go in. I shall leave you for a little while to 
reflect upon your situation.” 

He pushed her over the threshold of the room, the door 
of which Peggy had opened and stood leaning against, 
waiting for Hero to pass through. 

Peggy will be your jailer,” said Barton, turning to de- 
part; ^‘and it will avail you nothing to appeal to her for 
help.” 

Hero caught hold of his sleeve just as the door was about 
to close between them. 

Answer me one question,” she cried in an eager tone 
of voice. Is Ned Bachman under this roof at the pres- 
ent moment?” 

Yes, he is.” 

Will he be suffered to depart in safety?” 

That remains to be seen.” 

Barton swung on* his heel, and then for the last time 
turned to address her. 

Let me tell you something to quiet your mind,” he 
said, with a mocking laugh. ‘‘ You should not make 
Bachman’s goings and comings any concern of yours, as he 


NED BACHMAN 


61 


is engaged to be married to Hortense de Noir/^ and he 
closed and locked the door. 


CHAPTER XI. 

IN THE COILS. 

When Ned Bachman entered the passage with Captain 
Lavern, as recounted in a former chapter, he was not a 
little daunted by the profound silence and darkness all 
around. 

Don’t be frightened,” whispered his companion; we’ll 
soon be out of this place and have a light. Keep hold of 
my hand and don’t stumble.” 

^MVhere are we?” Ned asked sharply. This is not a 
private house.” 

Hush! mum is the word, my boy. For your own inter- 
est you’d better keep a quiet tongue in your head.” 

For my own interest?” repeated Ned. 

Yes. In short, you might be heard by those who would 
not be restrained by ties of blood from offering personal 
violence,” and Captain Lavern laughed maliciously. 

Ned stopped. I shall go no farther with you. Fath- 
er,” he said, I shall go from this villainous place at once. 
Lead the way back again and open the door.” 

Now, my son. I’ll give you a pointer. Once having 
passed that door you cannot return until I am ready to 
have you, and that’s not yet.” 

Good God!” cried Ned. Are you, my father, capable 
of treachery toward your son?” 

By no means,” was the villain’s ready reply. I merely 
wish you to get a glimpse of my present mode of living. It 
will prove a novel experience for you, my boy.” 


62 


NED BACHMAN. 


Captain Lavern^s motives in bringing the young man to 
the den of the Black Band — for the old public-house was, 
for the time being, the headquarters of that honorable 
community — were of the basest and most sinister sort. 
He reasoned that IS'ed^s position in society would render 
him a most desirable and powerful ally in future schemes 
of villainy and pillage, could his principles be successfully 
undermined. During a portion of the time occupied in 
this conversation they had stood just without the door 
Hero Dalton entered some twenty minutes later. The 
dwarf, who was guiding them, stood with his hand on the 
door knob, a silent listener. The Captain now turned to 
him. 

^"^Have many arrived, Mansauel?’^ he asked 

‘‘Nearly all, Captain, was the respectful answer. 

“ Good. That will do, my fine fellow. You may go 
back to your post again.” 

The dwarf flung open the door, and then retreated along 
the dark passage. Captain Lavern and Ned entered the 
lighted apartment. There were three or four persons as- 
sembled there at this time. These persons eyed Ned curi- 
ously. 

“The Captain’s picked up a new fall,” was the whisper 
that ran around the room. “He’s one of the nobs, too, I 
reckon. ” 

Captain Lavern took no notice whatever of these re- 
marks. He passed through the room without a word, still 
keeping Ned at his side, and went out by the door at the 
lower end. At the foot of a stairw'ay they seemed to be 
confronted by the solid wall; but Captain Lavern took a 
step or tw'o in front of his companion, and touched a part 
of the wall which seemed as solid as the rest, when what 
appeared to be a barrier of solid masonry rolled backward, 
leaving an aperture wide enough for any ordinary-sized 
person to gain admittance. Beyond this opening could be 


NET) BACmrAF. 


6 :^ 


seen a large-sized chamber, evidently underground, for the 
ceiling was supported by numerous iron columns. This 
room was half filled with persons of both sexes, who were 
seated at numerous tables which were scattered here and 
there about the apartment. They were waiting for some 
person of importance to arrive. Xed recoiled from this 
scene with an expression of utter amazement depicted on 
his face. 

What is the meaning of all this?’’ he asked, turning to 
the Captain. 

^‘^It means, said the Captain, with his usual chuckle, 
^"that the Black Band is in session/' 

Ned saw that he had been tricked, and by the man who 
claimed to be his father. He fully realized the deadly peril 
that menaced him. There he stood, single-handed and 
alone, confronting the largest and most dangerous band of 
criminals known in the annals of crime — an organization so 
powerful that justice could not reach it. And worse than all 
the rest — his father had by foul and wicked deception en- 
ticed him into this terrible place At this instant several 
of the persons nearest the door caught sight of the new- 
comers, and a shout of welcome arose which was repeated 
from all sides of the room. 

‘Hlere's the Captain! Hurrah for Captain Lavern!" 

Ned started as these words reached his ear, and looked 
sharply at his companion. 

You are not the head of these cut-throats?" he asked 
in a low, eager tone of voice. 

Wait and you’ll see," growled the Captain. 

He pushed forward into the room without waiting to 
say anything further. A motley group immediately sur- 
rounded him. Nearly every nation under the sun had its 
representative, each one more villainous-looking than the 
other. A haggard, blear-eyed woman of thirty, who must 
once have been handsome, but who was now only a horri- 


64 


NED BACHMAN 


ble wreck, pushed a glass into his hand and clinked the 
rim of a second one against it. 

^‘Let^s drink together. Captain/^ she said in a maudlin 
voice. ^‘Let^s drink and be merry. IVe been waiting for 
you.” 

^•All right, Nell,” he said good-humoredly, taking the 
glass as he spoke. ^^Here^s to the success of our band.” 

^^Good-evening, Mr. Lavern,” said a cool, placid voice. 

Ned turned with an involuntary start of surprise. Eu- 
gene Barton stood at his elbow. 

Have I disturbed your equanimity?” inquired the ma- 
licious villain, mockingly. You scarcely expected to meet 
me in such a place, I presume, when you last saw me in 
Arlington Street.” 

Ned surveyed the roue in silent contempt. 

It was not in Arlington Street I last saw you,” he said 
after a brief silence. 

Where then?” 

^‘In the gardens of Briar mere, after you had locked 
Mademoiselle de Noir and myself in the tower.” 

The shot told. Barton^s face flushed, and he bit his lip 
angrily. 

I was never at Briarmere,” he began. 

DonT trouble yourself to make any denial,” said Ned, 
quietly; your face betrays you. I was not certain whether 
you were the person or not I saw there until this evening. 
Now I am convinced beyond a doubt.” 

Let us not quarrel,” said Barton. To be sure, I owe 
you a grudge for the ill turn you served me in Arlington 
Street that night, but I am willing to forget the past if you 
are. Here^s my hand.” 

Ned drew back. 

I prefer you an avowed enemy rather than a treach- 
erous friend.” 

Barton’s face was that of a lurking devil at that moment. 


NED BACHMAN 


65 


There was treachery in his fawning manner and concilia- 
ting smiles. Ned saw the cloven foot and took care not to 
meet it half way. 

As you please/^ said the baffled rogue, turning on his 
heel. I shall make no further overtures for your friend- 
ship.^^ 

And he hastily quitted the room. He had scarcely gone, 
when several of the band, who had been listening to the 
above conversation, quickly surrounded Ned. 

^^Are you one of us?” asked a burly ruffian with a head 
like a bull-dog. 

No,” Ned replied boldly. 

You’re going to join us?” 

No, I am not.” 

This answer raised a hoot of execration, and they rushed 
at Ned in a body, drawing knives and revolvers, and would, 
no doubt, have ended the story at that moment had not 
Captain Lavern come to the rescue of our hero. 

Hands off!” he yelled, facing the excited crowd, a re- 
volver in each hand. This man is my son — my own flesh 
and blood; do you hear? And the first man that touches 
him dies.” 

There was a brief silence. 

He must take the oath. Captain,” said the man who had 
first spoken. 

Yes, yes; the oath,” was echoed in the dogged accents 
of men who had life and liberty at stake and were deter- 
mined to run no risks. 

The Captain put his lips to Ned’s ear. 

You must submit,” he whispered, or even my power 
will be insufficient to save you from their fury.” 

Let me say a word to them myself.” 

He stepped forward, confronting the savage throng. 

Listen,” he said in quiet, subdued tones that com- 
manded attention even from the savage throng that sur- 


66 


NED BACHMAN 


rounded him. I came here with no suspicions of the 
character of the persons I was to meet. The secret of your 
place of rendezvous I have unwittingly discovered. Under 
the existing circumstances I am willing to be bound by an 
oath, but I will not become a member of your band.” 

^'What oath, then?” was asked. 

^‘1 will swear never to reveal what I have seen here this 
night. I do not take that oath to save my life, but for his 
sake,” and he pointed to Captain Lavern. I could not 
betray him whether bound by an oath or not.” 

A death-like silence fell upon the crowd. The men 
looked at one another and then at Ned, but no one spoke. 
His appearance and manly words had evidently quelled the 
excitement of the brutes around him. At last Captain 
Lavern spoke. 

^^Let him have his own way in this matter,” he said, 
answer for him” 

A Bible was produced from some out-of-the-way corner, 
and the oath administered. Ned swore never to betray the 
Black Band, and never to assist to bring any of its members, 
as members, to judgment. 

The drinking and carousing were resumed. Presently 
Ned noticed that Eugene Barton had returned to the room. 
In a moment the men stood face to face with each other. 

I know what has happened,” said Barton. ^‘You are 
a member of the Black Band.” 

I am not.” 

You have taken the oath.” 

Not to betray you.” 

^^Bah!” said Barton, sneeringly. DonY put too fine a 
point on that, my lad. If the police were to pounce upon 
us at this moment, do you think you would be held less guilty 
than the rest of us?” 

Yes,” said the voice of Captain Lavern close behind him. 

You now stand convicted, my boy. Our interests are 


NED BACHMAN. 


67 


your interests; our ruin would be ruin to yourself. The 
Black Band never lose their hold on any person who comes 
within their circle. You are as much bound to us as if you 
had taken the oath of membership to the band.” 

shall never league myself with such infamous so- 
ciety,” cried Ned, indignantly, and it is useless to attempt 
to persuade me that I have already become a member.” 

^^You may be led to change your mind,” insinuated 
Barton. 

Never.” 

He turned his back on the tempter. 

Father,” he said, addressing Captain Lavern, ^^Fm go- 
ing to leave this wretched place. Will you come with me?” 

The Captain hesitated an instant, looked at Barton sig- 
nificantly, spoke in an undertone to two or three of the 
band, and then returned to where Ned was standing. 

Come on, my boy,” he said at last, moving towards the 
door. ril go with you.” 

The two men quitted the room and the house together. 


CHAPTER XII. 

HERO A PRISONER. 

Meanwhile how fared it with Hero Dalton? Her first 
care after the door had closed on Barton and the old hag, 
his companion, was to inspect the apartment; but it afforded 
no hope of escape. It only contained one window, and 
that had heavy iron bars on the outside, and only the door 
by which she had entered, that was fastened by a massive 
lock on the outside. The room had been evidently built 
expressly for prisoners, and her case seemed hopeless. 

About nine o^clock of the ensuing morning the old 


68 


NED BACHMAN 


woman made her appearance, bringing in some breakfast on 
a neatly-arranged tray. 

Hero at once addressed her. Why am I detained here 
a prisoner?” she asked. 

Yon know already, I reckon,” sneered the hag. 

Barton is smitten with your pretty face; and you are a 
little too coy when you have your liberty.” 

Convulsive shuddering shook the poor girhs frame. 

‘‘ I know he seeks to detain me here. I have scorned 
his love, and now he would dishonor me.” 

That^s about the long and short of it, I reckon,” was 
the coarse reply. 

A cry of utter abhorrence and disgust broke from Heroes 
pale lips. 

And you, a woman, are willing to aid and abet him in 
his baseness !” she exclaimed. Oh, shame on you ! Shame ! 
shame!” 

The hag only laughed and shrugged her shoulders. 

Oh, madam,” cried Hero, beseechingly, aid me to es- 
cape from this vile place. Your heart cannot be wholly 
hardened. Have pity on my youth and innocence.” 

I can^t help you. If I did they would murder me.” 

Oh, for the love of heaven, hear me. Though poor 
and unknown myself, I have influential friends who will 
reward you for restoring me to them — I am sure they 
will.” 

^^Bah! Let ^em keep their money. Barton pays me 
well for keeping you here.” 

'^Miserable woman, will nothing move you?” 

No, it won^t,” replied Peggy. Barton has given 
me my orders, and I have got to obey them.” 

She turned to leave the room. Youfll eat your break- 
fast, and be a sensible girl, and be ready to receive your 
lover when he comes to see you.” 

Is he coming here to-day?” 


KED BACHMAN. 


69 


** I don^t know. He may come at any moment. Take 
a fool^s advice, my dear, and put on your sweetest smiles to 
welcome him, or you may regret it.” 

And, with a sardonic grin on her ugly and wrinkled 
countenance, the hag disappeared. 

Left alone. Hero had plenty of time to reflect upon her 
condition. 

I have nothing to hope,” she thought. None of my 
friends know that I am detained here. When I set out 
from the Hall to follow Ned, I told no one what I was going 
to do. They will miss me, but will not know how to direct 
a search.” 

She sat for many minutes with her face buried in her 
hands. At last she was roused by the sound of cautious 
footsteps moving across the hall without, and the sharp 
clicking of the key as the. door was unlocked. Then the 
door was opened very slowly and carefully, and an ugly, 
misshapen flgure stole carefully into the room. It was 
Mansauel, the dwarf who had let her into the house the 
previous evening. 

Hero now looked at the dwarf more closely than she had 
done before. He had a coarse, sensual face, with thick lips 
and small twinkling gray eyes. These eyes now fastened 
themselves upon her with a glance that fairly chilled her 
blood. She shook off the horror his presence inspired, 
however, and approached him. 

Have you come to help me to escape from this place?” 
she asked in a trembling voice. 

That depends.” 

He leered at her, threw a hasty glance over his shoulder 
towards the passage behind him, and Anally caught hold of 
her hand. 

You donT like Barton?” he asked. 

I hate him.” 

Good.” Those cunning eyes twinkled more rapidly 


70 


NED BACHMAN. 


than ever. I suspected as much from what I saw last 
night/^ 

‘^And you have come to save me. Oh, may Heaven 
bless you!^^ 

Fair lady, it would be worth any sacrifice to earn your 
gratitude.” 

He was pressing closer and closer to her side; and before 
she could prevent it he had raised her hand to his lips. 
Despite every effort at self-control, she recoiled and uttered 
a sharp cry. A sudden stifling fear took possession of her 
heart. 

'^What do you mean?” she faltered. do not know 
what to make of your actions.” 

They mean, charming lady, that I love you.” 

‘‘ You love me?” repeated Hero, with a sinking heart. 

Fondly, devotedly.” 

She comprehended the scoundreFs true character at last. 

You donT believe me,” he said, leering at her in a most 
fulsome manner. 

How did you gain admittance to this room,” she asked, 
moving away from him. 

Oh, I possess a duplicate key. In any event, bolts and 
bars could not have kept me away from you.” 

What do you propose to do?” 

^^Let you escape from this house on one condition.” 

What is that?” 

That I go with you wherever you go.” 

^^You!” she echoed. 

It was impossible to misunderstand his terrible meaning. 

^^Oh, just Heaven!” she cried. 

I risk my life in coming here,” he went on rapidly. I 
risk it again in making such a proposition to you. The 
Black Band punish deserters with death. But I risk even 
death to bask in the sunshine of your smiles. We will go 
far from here where they cannot trace us. Choose,” he 


BACHMAN. 


71 


cried, seeing that she remained silent. you remain 

here you will be Barton^s mistress; if you escape with me 
you will go as my wife. What say you? Will you go?” 

Never!” cried Hero in a loud, clear voice. Leave 
me. I will accept no service at your hands that must be 
paid for so dearly. Go!” 

A horrible oath dropped from his lips. He strode 
towards her with both his arms outstretched. 

Girl!” he snarled, “you shall repent ever having spoken 
those words to me.” 

The next instant his arms were about her, and his hot 
breath scorched her cheek. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

A CLUE. 

It was near morning when Ned Bachman reached home 
after quitting the den of the Black Band. The servants 
had retired, and letting himself in with a latch-key, he im- 
mediately retired to his room, there to seek repose. It was 
at a late hour in the afternoon when he awoke from his 
vision-haunted slumber. He noticed an unusual bustle in 
the lower part of the house. Hastily dressing himself, he 
descended the stairs and was met by his uncle George. 

Mr. Bachman seemed disturbed and agitated. He turned 
sharply around on hearing Ned^s step on the stairs. 

“Is it you?” he cried out. “The servants told me you 
were away all night and had not yet returned.” 

“ I came back early this morning, and let myself in with 
a latch-key.” 

“ I am glad you are here.” 


72 


NED BACHMAN. 


He said this with such evident fervor, and drew such 
a deep breath of relief, as convinced Ned that something 
serious was amiss. 

What has happened?^'’ he asked. 

Miss Dalton is not in the house. 

Ned started like one shot. 

Not in the house? What do you mean?^^ 

Precisely what I say." 

Good heavens!" 

^‘’None of the servants saw her go away. But she must 
have left last night, for her bed was untouched. But she 
was not missed until this morning, however." 

Why was I not told of this this morning?" 

It was not known that you were in the house, remem- 
ber. Besides — " 

^^Well?" said Ned, impatiently, seeing that his uncle 
hesitated. 

To be frank, I thought you had gone with her." 

I?" gasped Ned. 

What else could I think? I knew that you had grown 
quite fond of each other. You were both missing, as I 
thought; and Miss Dalton might be the most unprincipled 
adventuress in all the world, for aught I knew to the con- 
trary." 

That poor, innocent girl an adventuress? Never! 
How could you think of anything so vile of her?" 

^^Bah! She could never have been abducted from this 
. house, and its inmates remain ignorant of the fact." 

Ned dropped his head in his hands. A sudden suspicion 
flashed across his mind like lightning. Hero knew of his 
appointment with Captain Lavern the evening before. 
She followed him once to such a meeting, feeling solicitous 
for his personal safety. Was it possible that she could 
have followed him a second time and thus have fallen 
into the hands of her enemies? Eugene Barton was a 


NED BACHMAN 


73 


member of the Black Band, and he had been present at the 
meeting of that villainous order on the previous evening. 
Was the poor giil in the clutches ot this scoundrel again? 
The mere thought made the perspiration stand out on his 
forehead like beads. 

I have an inkling of the truth perhaps, he said pres- 
ently. At any rate, it is a clue, and I shall follow it out." 

Mr. Bachman looked at him in amazement. 

Explain yourself," he said. 

The young man shook his head. 

^‘1 cannot explain it — at least, not yet. Do not ask 
me." 

^^Good heavens!" catching his breath sharply. ^^You 
arouse the strongest suspicion^ in my mind. I believe my 
misguided brother must be mixed up somehow in this 
affair." 

Ned remained silent. 

Speak!" cried Mr. Gwyne, eagerly grasping his hand. 
^^Have you seen your father since that night he came here?" 

^^Yes." 

Where is he now?" 

I cannot tell you. Wicked as he is, he is still my fa- 
ther. Let us not talk of him, Uncle George. I must find 
Hero Dalton, and there is no time to be lost. Some time I 
may have something to tell you, but not now. All my 
thoughts must be given to that persecuted girl." 

You persist in thinking she is detained away from the 
Hall against her will?" 

Certainly I do. I shall go in search of her, and leave no 
stone unturned to find her," said Ned, resolutely. 

Go, by all means. If you need money, you may call at 
my banker^s; they will let you have any reasonable sum." 

Ned^s first care was to question the servants. But no in- 
formation could be gleaned from them, beyond the fact 
that Miss Dalton must have left before the house was closed 


74 


NED BACHMAN 


the night before. No one had seen her depart, no one 
had known that she contemplated going away. Assured 
that nothing was to be gained by staying at the Hall, he 
departed for the city, resolutely bent on following out the 
suspicion that had occurred to his mind. 

After arriving in the city Ned sauntered about the 
streets for a long time, uncertain what course to pursue. 
Had he better make a confidant of Captain Lavern and ask 
his assistance? Even if he were to do so, could he feel as- 
sured that his pretended father would serve him faithfully? 
It was doubtful, to say the least. The captain of the 
Black Band had shown himself to be a wholly unprincipled 
man. And again, the villainous society to which he be- 
longed might compel him to serve Barton^s interests, rather 
than those of an outsider, no matter what inducements 
might be offered on the other side. On the whole, he 
thought it would be just as well to trust to his unaided efforts. 
It did not seem advisable to venture near the old building 
until after the shades of night had fallen; so he wandered 
on and on through the crowded streets, in a state of mind 
bordering on desperation. 

Heavens!” he muttered, pressing his hands over his 
heart. How madly I have learned to love that girl ! This 
misfortune that has befallen her tells me in a manner not to 
be mistaken how dear she has become to me. And good 
God! I have promised to marry another woman.” 

Night fell at last. He waited until the city clocks had 
tolled the hour of eleven. Then he bent his footsteps in 
the direction of the old public-house in the alley. It was 
not the dwarf who made his appearance on this occasion, 
but Ned, nevertheless, was immediately admitted to the 
pitch-dark passage. Groping his way along, he finally 
reached the ante-room, the door of which stood slightly 
ajar. He went in without an instant^s hesitation. Peggy, 
the old hag into whose charge, it will be remembered. 


KED BACHMAN. 


76 


Hero had been given on her entrance into the den, sat at 
one of the tables near the opposite end of the room, shuffling 
a pack of greasy cards. Two or three men were grouped 
around her, among whom was Mansauel, the dwarf. Ned 
observed that the latter looked sullen and ill-natured, and 
that a livid welt was traced from the top to the bottom 
of his left cheek, as if some one had dealt him a heavy 
blow. 

Peggy merely nodded to our hero, but did not rise from 
her seat. 

It^s the pal, boys,^^ she said, spreading out her cards on 
the table. ^^DonT mind him." 

At this instant some object rose up at the old woman^s 
feet from off the floor, where it had been lying like some 
faithful watch-dog. An involuntary cry broke from Ned's 
lips as he gazed upon it. 

The object was a girl, and the girl was Nancy. Until 
now, he had not seen her since she had disappeared from 
his uncle's house on the night of the attempted burglary. 

Nancy!" he cried, ^^you here?" 

Her expression became more appealing than ever. 

Hush!" she cried. 

Still he did not heed her. 

I am seeking Miss Dalton," he said eagerly and impa- 
tiently. ^^She has disappeared from the Hall. If she is 
in this house, I entreat you to tell me where to find her." 

Hush!" she said again, just above her breath. This 
time she made a swift, significant gesture in the direction of 
the table where Peggy and her companions were sitting. 
Ned glanced that way and encountered the little red eyes 
of Mansauel, the dwarf, fixed upon his face in a most expres- 
sive and malignant stare. He felt sure that he had heard 
every word he had spoken. Nancy dropped her ragged 
handkerchief at Ned’s feet and stooped to recover it. 

^^Take care," she said, in a scarcely audible tone of voice. 


76 


NEB BACHMAN 


We are watched. see you, and have a talk with you 
by and by if possible.” 

She rose up and went spinning away like a top to the 
other side of the room, where she dropped upon the floor 
again, curled herself up and remained perfectly still. She 
evidently knows something about Hero,” thought Ned. I 
can tell as much from her peculiar manner. The poor girl, 
beyond a doubt, is held a prisoner somewhere in this old 
rookery; and I believe Nancy is inclined to be a friend to 
me. At any rate Ifll trust her.” He had scarcely come to 
this conclusion, when the door of the passage to the under- 
ground room was suddenly opened, and a young lady ad- 
vanced into the apartment. Ned saw the new-comer, 
caught his breath sharply, and then stood still in his tracks 
as if spell-bound. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE BEAUTIFUL PLOTTER. 

The woman before him was Hortense de Noir. 

Henry struggled with the spell that held him in thrall, 
broke it at lasb, and slowly approached her. 

Hortense!” he cried. 

Her surprise at this meeting was manifestly greater than 
Ned^s. 

Good heavens!” she muttered, in a stifled voice. 

He caught her hand almost roughly. What does this 
mean, Hortense? Why are you here?” 

She was silent, and began to tremble. 

Do you know the character of this place?” 

•^No, no,” she answered with difliculty. 

Then let me tell you. Only the vilest of the vile come 


NED BACHMAN 


77 


here. The men are burglars and thieves; the women worse 
than the men, if possible.” 

^^God forbid!” 

It is true,” he ejaculated earnestly. Come away 
from this deviFs hole. Quick, quick! It is death, moral 
death, to breathe its pestilential atmosphere.” 

Strengthening every nerve to meet the dangerous situa- 
tion in which she found herself, — dangerous to her designs 
on Ned’s hand and fortune we mean — Hortense confronted 
him with all traces of her recent emotions banished from 
her brow. 

^^I run no risk,” she said, ^^and shall linger in this 
place until you depart.” 

You know not what indignities these brutes will heap 
upon you.” 

Do I not? I did not tell you the truth just now. The 
character of this place is known to me. Why not? Have 
not I been the companion of thieves all my life?” 

She spoke in accents of concentrated bitterness. Ah, 
what a consummate actress she was! 

You don^t mean to tell me that there is any link be- 
tween the frequenters of Briarmere and the Black Band?” 

The chain of wickedness is a long one, and has many 
links,” she answered. 

I see, I see.” 

You are not vexed with me for coming?” 

Why did you come to this infamous place?” 

For an instant the woman was staggered. She was 
there at the present time for the purpose of meeting Bar- 
ton, and had no thought of meeting Ned. But of course 
she could not acknowledge as much to the young man who 
believed so implicitly in her truth and purity. 

For an instant, we say, she was at her wits^ end for an 
answer to Ned^s question. But she soon saw the way clear 
of her difiSculty. 


78 


NEB BACHMAN 


I can explain what brought me here to-night,” she said, 
dropping her eyes in modest confusion. 

Will you?” 

I came to seek i/ow,” she faltered. 

To seek me?” 

^‘Yes.” 

Why should you expect to meet me here?” 

You were here last night.” 

“ How knew you that?” 

Alas! have you forgotten the class of people that sur- 
round me at Briarmere. As I said before, the chain of ini- 
quity is long. It was very easy for me to know what hap- 
pened here last night.” 

But why did }'Ou come to seek me here?” 

I feared you would be attracted here a second time, 
and — and I wished to save you.” 

She blushed rosy-red in making this assertion. This 
Circe usually had even the expression of her face under 
perfect control. 

Let me tell you the object that brought me to this 
house to-night. A young lady. Hero Dalton, has been 
stopping at the Hall for some days.” 

have heard of her,” said Hortense, biting her lip. 

She thought she owed me a debt of gratitude for some 
fancied service, and, believing I was to come here last 
night to meet some desperate character, I have every reason 
to think she followed me secretly, vdth the hope of being 
of service to me.” 

Indeed!” 

Miss Dalton has enemies. She has been missing from 
the Hall since last night, and I fear was discovered by some 
of her enemies and detained.” 

Detained where?” 

Perhaps in this very house.” 


NED BACHMAN 


79 




What reason have you to believe that Miss Dalton is 
held a prisoner in this house?” 

Her worst enemy, Eugene Barton, is a frequenter of 
this den of villains.” 

^^Ah!” 

Only a word; but from Hortense de Noir^s lips it ex- 
pressed volumes. She was silent for a moment, with eyes 
slowly scanning Ned^s face. 

Why should the person of whom you speak persecute 
Miss Dalton?” she asked. 

Because he is a libertine and seeks her dishonor.” 

Are you sure?” 

Yes; I know the villain well. Many a pure and inno- 
cent maiden has become, through his vile arts, a creature I 
should blush to name to you.” 

Hortense^s regard for Barton had scarcely been weakened 
by this new penchant for Yed Bachman, but she had an 
eye to her own interest. Eugene, being a married man, 
was beyond her reach. By marrying Yed she at once gained 
a footing in society and insured a future above the wants 
and necessaries of her present mode of life. 

Hortense stifled the thought that was passing through 
her mind, and said abruptly, 

I have the range of these premises. If Miss Dalton is 
here as you suspect, I will find out where she is detained 
and set her free. I will go at once. Do you remain here 
until I can return and report to you.” 

She turned and hastily quitted the apartments Hed 
stood silent and thoughtful. In spite of himself, a vague 
distrust of Hortense would creep into his mind. In the midst 
of these reflections, the girl Yancy rose from her seat in 
the corner and walked toward the door, pressing close to 
him as she went. 

“Beware of her,” she whispered as she passed him. 
“ She's a devil and doesn’t like Miss Dalton.” 


80 


NED -BACHMAN. 


Then she glided stealthily from the room. 

Nobody save Mansauel observed her departure. But he, 
as was perfectly manifest to Ned, took notice of every- 
thing that transpired around him. His keen gray eyes 
kept steadily at the work of espionage. 

Ned repeated the girFs words over and over again to 
himself. Had Nancy good and sufficient reasons for warn- 
ing him against Hortense, or was it some strange freak of 
the wild giiTs? 

The minutes rolled on until at least a half-hour had 
elapsed, and still Hortense did not return. Ned grew 
restless, and, at last when he could bear the anxiety and sus- 
pense no longer, he determined to go in search of her, re- 
gardless of her request to the contrary. 

She had passed out by the door of the passage leading to 
the underground room, the meeting-place of the Black 
Band on the night before; and Ned started in the same 
direction, in quest of her. He had barely entered the 
long corridor-like passage, however, when he came face to 
face upon Captain Lavern. 

The clever villuin recoiled a pace or two when he recog- 
nized our hero. But his agitation was but momentary. 

Delighted to see you, my boy,'’^ he said, only extending 
the tips of two fingers. 

wish the pleasure were mutual,” said Ned, bluntly. 

Why are you here, then?” asked Captain Lavern with 
ready assurance. YouTe one of us now, in spite of fate 
and the parson, my lad. ICs no use kicking against the 
pricks. You had better go in with us heart and soul, and 
be a jolly fellow among the rest.” 

Is that why you enticed me here in the first place — to 
make me as bad as your vile crew?” 

Captain Lavern winced. 

Never mind why, my dear son,” he said airily, after a 
brief struggle with himself. ^^Wait here a minute if you 


NED BACHMAN. 


81 


don^t wish to go below. I have only to give some direc- 
tions to Peggy, and 1^11 join you again. 

He turned the door-knob and passed into the apartment 
ISTed had just quitted, carefully closing the door behind 
him. He had scarcely disappeared when the young man 
heard flying feet come down the dimly lighted passage- 
way, and an instant later the girl Nancy stood before him, 
panting and breathless. 

^^It is you,” she cried eagerly, thank the stars. I was 
looking for you. Quick, follow me!” 

‘^^What have ypu discovered?” 

Quick, come on! I’ll tell you as we go.” 

Ned looked at her sharply. She might be leading him 
into some secret snare. 

Tell me where you wish to take me,” he said in a low, 
stern voice, catching her arm in a vise-like grip. 


CHAPTER XV. 

JUST IJq- TIME. 

In’ the previous chapter we left poor Hero struggling in 
the arms of Mansauel, the dwarf. Her very soul seemed 
to die within her when she felt his loathsome breath on her 
cheeks, and caught the glassy, gloating look in his red-gray 
eyes. 

Mercy! mercy!” she gasped 

‘^Ha, ha!” he chuckled. You see now that it is dan- 
gerous to defy me. I shall claim a kiss as a just reward 
for those naughty words, just now.” 

In another instant his polluted lips would have been quaf- 
flng the sweetness of her own; but at this instant the door 
was flung open and Eugene Barton strode into the room. 


82 


NED BACHMAN. 




He struck the dwarf a stinging blow across the cheek 
with the light cane he carried. 

n you hissed Mansauel, glaring at Barton with 
all the fierceness of an infuriated wild beast. I’ll have 
your life for that blow! Mark my words."' 

' “Go!" said Barton, authoritively. “I have no wish to 
measure strength with you. Go, before I am tempted to 
beat you to a Jelly." 

“I will go," he said at last, thinking discretion the bet- 
ter part of valor. But this affair does not end here; re- 
member that!" and gnashing his teeth in disappointed rage, 
he quitted the apartment. 

When the dwarf had disappeared. Barton turned to the 
trembling girl. 

^^Dont be afraid," he said soothingly. ^^You are safe 
now." 

“Safe — with you?" she gasped. 

She shuddered, and shrank closer against the wall. Had 
she escaped the embrace of one scoundrel only to be made 
the victim of another? 

“You needn't be frightened," Barton resumed, correctly 
interpreting the movement she had made. “lam not here 
at the present time to make love to you, agreeable as the 
task would be. I've brought you a visitor." 

He stepped to the door as he spoke, and signed for some 
one waiting in the passage to enter. A young and beauti- 
ful woman advanced immediately into the room. 

“ Miss Dalton," said Barton, politely, “let me present 
to you Miss Hortense de Noir." 

Hero stared at her beautiful visitor in unfeigned aston- 
ishment, and found that her scrutiny was returned with 
equal earnestness. 

“Ned Bachman's betrothed wife," whispered Barton, 
close to her ear. Miss Dalton, will you not shake hands 
with her?" 


NED BACHMAN. 


83 


Hortense caught the whispered words. 

^^Yes,” she said sweetly; am engaged to Mr. Bach- 
man. Did this young lady doubt the fact?” 

^^Yes, up to this moment, I think,” answered Barton. 

But she must now be convinced.” 

His sneering tone vexed Hero beyond all control. 

Why are you here?” she cried haughtily. What is it 
to me who or what you are?” 

Hortense on her side remained wholly unruffled. 

Since we are both in love with the same man,” she an- 
swered, ^‘1 thought it desirable we should make each other^s 
acquaintance. ” 

Hortense’s cool insolence seemed to amuse Barton vastly, 
for he threw back his head and burst into a fit of laughter. 

Well put, my dear. But you are not likely to remain 
until the play is played out.” 

‘^No; since I shall marry Ned.” 

And Miss Dalton?” 

Will be your mistress, if she is not such already.” 

“ Well prognosticated,” chuckled Barton. 

Hortense advanced a step or two nearer, and fixed her 
glance upon the burning face of the persecuted girl. 

Miss Dalton, what do you think of your own prospects 
of success in the game which we are playing?” 

Hero made no reply. 

Prospects!” echoed Barton. Haven’t I told you that 
she has no prospects? Bachman is nothing to Tier from 
this time forward. She must make up her mind to submit 
to me now.” 

And the sooner she does that the better it will be for 
her.” 

Of course,” and he leered at Hero. do not mind 
telling you that I am much more in love with the man by 
your side than Ned Bachman,” Hortense continued, ad- 
dressing ^her remarks to our heroine; but Eugene has a 


84 


NED BACHMAN 


wife already, though not a very well-beloved one, and I 
can^t marry him. Ned has no such incumbrance; he can 
offer me wealth and position; and I covet both, as is very 
proper for a person in my situation. But you must not 
think I intend giving up my old lover when I am Ned^s 
wife. By no means. I am not such a prude; therefore I 
very readily consent to loan Eugene to you for a very short 
time, feeling assured that he will come back to me again. 
What do you think of our little game, — all trumps? Ad- 
mirable, is it not?’^ 

Hero drew away from the infamous woman, her breast 
heaving and her eyes flashing Are. Hortense took Barton’s 
arm and moved towards the door. On the threshold she 
paused and looked back. 

^^Eemember our respective destinies, Miss Dalton,” were 
her last taunting words. go to be the bride of Ned 
Bachman. You remain as the mistress of Eugene Barton.” 

Then the door closed, and the infamous couple were gone. 

A long, terrible hour wore away. At its close Hero heard 
the soft patter of cautious footsteps in the passage, and 
presently a soft, muffled knock sounded on the door. Hero 
neither spoke nor stirred. The knock was repeated. A 
futile attempt was made to turn the knob. Then a sub- 
dued voice said, through the keyhole, 

^^Are you there. Miss Dalton?” 

It was Nancy. Hero recognized her voice at once, and 
sprang to her feet, the blood coursing freely in her veins 
once more. 

^^Yes, yes,” she cried eagerly. ^^God bless you, my 
child. You are come to set me free? Oh, tell me that you 
are.” 

Hush,” was the whispered answer. You helped me, 
dear lady, when I was in trouble, and Fm not ungrateful. 
I’ll do what I can for you.’’ 

Can you not open the door?” 


NED BACHMAN. 


85 


it^s locked, and I have not got a key." 

^‘How, then, will you help me to escape?" 

You must have patience. Miss Hero. I haven^t laid my 
plans yet. I only come to bid you hope." 

Hero wrung her hands wildly. 

And you will go away again," she moaned despairing- 
ly, ‘^leaving me still in the power of these wretches who 
seek my ruin?" 

I must, if I help you at all. Take heart. Miss Hero, 
for I promise never to desert you. Good-by. I am going 
now I must not be found near this door, or we will both 
be lost." 

Not another word was spoken. Hero knew that the girl 
was gliding down the stairs again; but for herself, she sat 
down on the side of her rude couch and buried her face in 
the pillow. She had sat in the darkness for what seemed 
an age of horror and expectancy, when a key suddenly 
grated in the lock, and Eugene Barton again entered the 
room, followed by two men whose faces were strange to her. 
He was paler than was his wont, and seemed strangely ex- 
cited. 

And so you are not in bed?" he said, in a loud, gruff voice. 

Good. You and I have a journey to make to-night." 

She stared at him in shuddering terror, but could an- 
swer nothing. 

‘^Do you hear?" he cried angrily. '^Get your bonnet 
and shawl; there is no time to be lost." 

She made no resistance. She was resolved to save her 
strength for a more propitious moment for escape, should 
the opportunity offer. She knew there was no use of 
struggling against these strong men. They passed the first 
staircase, one of the men walking first with a lighted lan- 
tern, and entered a bedroom on the other side of the pas- 
sage, where a trap-door stood open, the upper rungs of a 
ladder protruding above the opening. Hero was compelled 


86 


NED BACHMAN. 


to descend this ladder between her two captors. At the 
foot. Barton suddenly pressed the cold muzzle of a revolver 
against her temple. 

A single loud noise/^ he hissed close to her ear, and 
your life is not worth a moment^s purchase. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

A SUDDEN JOURNEY. 

Hero was like a child in the grasp of the powerful ruf- 
fian who held her. 

“A single loud cry is enough to seal your doom,” he said 
again in low, menacing tones. 

Suddenly a new and startling suspicion flashed upon her 
mind. She recovered her power of speech as if by magic. 
Turning abruptly to her abductor, she said in a sharp 
whisper, 

^^Xed Bachman is in this house, and you know it and 
are afraid that he will discover me.” 

What then?” sneered Barton. 

^^He is looking for me. That is why you have seen fit 
to remove me so suddenly.” 

The villain laughed tauntingly. 

Would Hortense de Xoir allow her lover to play Don 
Quixote to your forlorn damsel, think you?” he asked 
sneeringly. 

Am I to have my liberty?” 

When I am done with you,” was the significant an- 
swer. 

Then turning to the nearest of the two men — the one 
who carried the lantern — he said. 


NED BACHMAN 


87 


You understand your instructions, Jim?’^ 

Yes.” 

He then gave his lantern to his comrade to hold, and 
then, going to one corner of the room, he picked up a small 
bundle which he proceeded to fasten by some strong staples 
into the window-ledge. To her horror and dismay Hero 
saw that it was a rope-ladder. 

Jim now proceeded to raise the window and drop the 
ladder over the sill. Having accomplished this portion of 
his work, he approached Hero and attempted to grasp her 
in his arms. She shrank back. 

^^It can’t be helped,” said Barton. ^^You must suffer 
Jim to take you to the ground. Best assured, however, 
that you will be handled with care.” He laughed mali- 
ciously. ‘‘1 will manage to see you very soon again, my 
charmer,” he said, and attempted to press his lips to her 
cheek. 

She sprang away from him, and Jim caught her in his 
arms, stepped over the window-sill, and glided easily down 
the ladder, holding the girl clasped tightly to his breast 
with one hand while accomplishing his descent. She was 
now nearly helpless with fright and terror. A third man, 
who had held the ladder firm while waiting on the pave- 
ment below, was ready to receive them the instant the de- 
scent was accomplished. 

You’ve got the gal?” he muttered. All right; we’ll 
be off the moment Sam joins us.” 

He had scarcely ceased speaking when a dark object slid 
down the rope-ladder into their midst, and the man of 
whom he had spoken was with them. 

By a pow:erful effort Hero now succeeded in rallying her 
flagging energies. She looked quickly around her. They 
were in a narrow and dark alley. A cab stood waiting at 
the distance of half a dozen yards. Would it be possible 
to escape — to bring some one to her rescue? With the 


88 


NED BACHMAN 


sheer madness of despair she resolved to make the attempt. 
Gathering all her energies for the effort, she straggled to 
break free from Jim^s hold, uttering at the same time a 
shrill cry for help. The ruffian was too quick for her. His 
grasp on her arm tightened until his heavy fingers seemed 
to be sinking into the delicate fiesh, and he pressed his 
disengaged hand over her mouth, stopping further outcry. 

“Stop that!^’ he snarled. “ You^re clear of Barton^’s 
revolver, to be sure; but I've got one that is just as reliable, 
and I'll use it, too/ if you give me any further reason." 

She moaned feebly, but attempted no further resistance. 
It might have been useless to call out in any event, as the 
alley seemed wholly deserted at that hour of the night. 
The man Jim lifted her a second time in his powerful arms, 
bore her to the carriage, thrust her in, then took a seat by 
her side. His two confederates in crime mounted to th® 
box, and in another instant the cab was rolling rapidly 
down the alley. 

“If odd you don't like Barton," said Jim, drawing so 
near her that his rapid breathing sounded fearfully dis- 
tinct. “ He's rich and one of the nobs. He’d make a 
lady of you, and rig you out in silks and satins. Any other 
gal would jump at the chance." 

“ Rich raiment of his providing would suffocate me," 
murmured Hero. 

“Humph! I suppose, then, you'd never think of smil- 
ing on a poor devil like me;" and his face, as now seen by 
the dim light that penetrated the cab from the lamps on 
either side of the box, was frightfully flushed. “ I'd barter 
my soul for one hug of those dainty arms, one kiss from 
those tempting lips." 

Hero's heart sank like lead in her bosom. She would 
have fainted outright but for the fact that she would then 
be wholly at the mercy of this wretch. Her only safety 
was in an immediate show of firmness. She conquered the 


NED BACHMAN. 89 

deadly inclination to swoon, and looked the villain steadily 
in the face. 

''How dare you talk to me like that?^'’ she cried angrily. 
" I shall repeat your words to Mr. Barton, and take care 
that you are punished for them." 

The threat had the desired etfect. 

" Don^t do that, miss," he said earnestly. " I intended 
no otfence, of course. I only thought — " 

" Never mind what you thought, "interrupted our heroine, 
with quite a show of dignity. " If I am again offended by 
your insolent proposals, you will certainly be exposed and 
brought to punishment." 

" Well, you needn't get offended so easily," remarked her 
crushed adorer. 

Hero made no response. She had now leisure to collect 
her thoughts, and with rare presence of mind she at once 
began to note from the window of the carriage the direc- 
tion in which she was being taken. Several of the city 
streets were passed through in turn, and presently the cab 
approached the suburbs. To the poor girl's infinite sur- 
prise the walls of the home of the Bachmans hove in 
sight. 

"What does this mean?" she thought. "It isn’t pos- 
sible that I am being taken back to the friends who have 
been so kind to me!" 

She instantly saw the folly of such a hope. The cab 
drove straight past the gate leading into the grounds by 
which the Hall was surrounded. Only for a short distance, 
however. Then it entered the gate leading to some other 
residence, and the wheels of the carriage rolled over a gravel 
drive for half a dozen rods or so. Then the carriage 
stopped. The man Sam leaped down from the box and 
opened the door. " Here we are," he said, assisting Hero 
to reach the ground. Jim followed her, keeping a fast 
hold on her arm. The. instant her feet touched the ground 


90 


NED BACHMAN 


she looked up to see the stately walls of Briarmere frowning 
down upon her hapless self. 

Though partially prepared for this by her meeting with 
Hortense at the den of the Black Band, an involuntary cry 
rose to Heron’s lips. She also experienced a thrill of joy 
and satisfaction. 

Even though I am detained here a prisoner, it is so 
very near the Hall that sooner or later the means of com- 
municating with Ned or Mr. Bachman must present them- 
selves.” 

(I am writing what she thought, remember, not what she 
said; for she was not in the habit of thinking aloud; nor 
did I ever know anybody who was.) 

Jim, with the air of a person thoroughly familiar with 
the premises, led her to a private door leading from the 
terrace. Here he paused and rung the bell. After a brief 
delay a tall, hard-featured man made his appearance 
at the door. He nodded familiarly to Jim, but without 
manifesting the least symptom of surprise at seeing Hero 
in his company. 

Well, my good fellow,” he said, with a slight foreign 
accent, smiting and rubbing his small white hands together, 

what can I do for you this pleasant morning?” 

Here^s a letter from Mr. Barton,” returned Jim, pro- 
ducing a folded paper from the pocket of his vest. ^^That 
talks business, and'^ll tell you why I^m here, I reckon.” 

The note must have been a very brief one. But what- 
ever its contents, not a muscle of Monsieur de Noir^s (for 
the stranger was that speculative individual) face changed 
as he perused it. The instant it was read he crumpled the 
paper in the hollow of his hand. 

^^All right,” he said in his lively voice. He smiled 
somewhat significantly. Then turning to Hero, he added: 
^^This is the girl, of course?” 

Yes,” answered Jim. 


NED BACHMAN 


91 


You may as well come upstairs at once. There are no 
preparations to be made.” 

He led the way up a private staircase, and finally paused 
before a small open door studded with large nails. 

This is the place,” he said, with a shrug of the shoul- 
ders. 

Hero, who had been patiently waiting for some oppor- 
tunity to appeal to Monsieur de Noir for protection from 
the wretches who were persecuting her so untiringly, felt a 
sudden revulsion of despair. She realized then, as she 
might have done sooner, that the mere fact of her being 
brought to this house was proof positive that she could ex- 
pect to find neither succor nor friends in such a place. 

Monsieur de Noir took her hand and gallantly led her 
over the threshold of the door, which he had unlocked 
with a massive key. 

‘‘lam here against my will, as you must know perfectly 
well,” Hero said in a raised voice. “ If a man^s heart beat 
in your breast you will see that I am at once released from 
the power of wretches who but seek my dishonor. ” 

“I know nothing of your little affair with Monsieur 
Barton,” said De Noir, smiling and shrugging his shoul- 
ders. “ I wish to know nothing. He has requested me as 
his friend to detain you here for the present.” 

Having delivered himself of these words, he bowed low 
and quitted the apartment, followed by Jim. Then he 
closed and carefully locked the door behind them. 


92 


mD BACHMAN. 


CHAPTER XVII. 

VILLAIKY TKIUMPHANT. 

Ned Bachman tightened his hold on the arm of the 
girl called Nancy as she stood by his side in the dimly-- 
lighted passage. 

Where do you wish to take me?^^ he said. 

To Hero Dalton/^ she answered, drawing a deep, half- 
frightened breath. 

Again his stern eyes scanned her face. You are not 
seeking to lead me to some spot where I must fall an easy 
victim to the wetches who frequent this place?” 

No, no, no,” cried Nancy, earnestly. 

Hero is in this house?” 

'‘Yes. Make haste or you muU be too late to find her. 
Barton is about to take her away.” 

Ned still looked puzzled and distrustful. " The power 
is in the villain’s own hands, he said, after a moment’s 
thought. " In this miserable den of thieves he has a score 
of minions scarcely less infamous than himself, who would 
of course stand by him,” 

"You are mistaken,” Nancy returned earnestly. 
"There’s less of honor among thieves than some people 
imagine. Barton would not dare let it be known that he 
is keeping a young and beautiful girl a prisoner in this 
house. The Black Band would be afraid to let her re- 
main here and Barton would run the risk of losing his 
lovely victim, you understand.” 

Ned shuddered. "Yes, yes,” he faltered. 

"Do you still distrust me?” asked Nancy, gently touch- 
ing his arm. 


NED BACHMAN. 


93 


I will do so no longer.” 

Then follow me at once. I fear we have lost too much 
time already.” 

She led the way upstairs to the apartment Hero had 
occupied but a short time since. The door was wide open, 
and the room dark and still. 

^^Good heavens,” cried the girl, beginning to tremble. 

They have taken her away.” 

^^Is she gone?” cried Ned. 

“ It was in this room that they kept her a prisoner. I 
expected to find her here.” 

The young man^s heart beat fast with dread unutterable. 

''Quick!” he cried. "They cannot be far away. Let 
us find them.” 

He darted along the passage. One of the bedroom doors 
stood open, and within he caught a gleam of light refiected 
from the ceiling. Without an instant hesitation's he rushed 
into the apartment. 

It was the room containing the trap-door. 

Nancy had followed close at his heels. "They made 
their escape down that trap-door,” she cried excitedly. 
"Follow them, if you will; I dare go no further.” 

Ned sprang to the ladder and slid down it with the 
agility of an athlete. The apartment in which he found 
himself seemed wholly deserted when he first glanced 
around it; but the window stood wide open, and he ran to it, 
scarcely knowing why he did so. He looked out upon a 
dismal alley, where ho saw a cab as if waiting for some one. 
Even as he gazed, three or four dark figures suddenly ap- 
proached the carriage from under the window where he 
stood, and lift somebody, evidently a woman, into it. 

"Oh, my God!” he cried, "they are indeed taking her 
away to some new place of infamy.” 

The thought was maddening. Keckless of all consequences 
to himself, he prepared to descend from the window by 


94 


NEB BACHMAN. 


means of the rope-ladder. At that instant a low, mocking 
laugh sounded behind him, and a well-known voice hissed 
in his ear, 

^^Fool, you have lost all, and my hour of triumph is 
come at last! Yonder girl is my prize now, — mine, body, 
and soul, to do with as I see fit.^^ 

It was the voice of Barton, who had stood half concealed 
by the curtains, when Ned had descended so unceremo- 
niously from the chamber above. 

Before Ned could turn to confront his inveterate enemy, 
he received a stunning blow upon the head that knocked 
him senseless. 

Barton planted one foot upon the breast of the fallen 
man, a sneer of malignant triumph curling his lips. 

Good,^^ he muttered, drawing a dagger from a hidden 
belt upon his person. The fellow is stunned, and 1^11 fix 
him so hefil never trouble me again.” 

He drew back his arm for a blow, and would have buried 
the dagger in the heart of the man he hated, had not a 
strong hand suddenly arrested his arm and pushed him 
away from his would-be victim with such force that he 
reeled up against the wall. 

^‘Damnation!” he snarled, turning suddenly to confront 
the person that had interfered with his murderous inten- 
tions. 

It was Captain Lavern, of the Black Band. 

Coward!'^ cried the Captain, his eyes flashing fire, 

would you murder a helpless man?” 

A cruel sneer curled Barton^s lips. You are wonder- 

fully scrupulous all at once,” he said. May I inquire the 
reason?” 

Captain Lavern averted his face and seemed more than 
usually thoughtful. Whether this young man is my son 
or not,” he said, after a moments pause, I have use for 


NED BACHMAN. 


him, and intend to protect him from your murderous 
assaults.” 

^^Now you are talking to some purpose,” answered Bar- 
ton. You have a use for Xed Bachman! Exactly. That 
accounts for your interest in him, and your spurious claims 
upon him. Oh, I understand you. Captain Lavern.” 

I’m glad that you understand,” said the elder villain 
coolly, ^^for it spares me the necessity of beating about 
the bush.” 

Are you going to take me into your confidence?” 

Partially. Of course you know the purpose of the orga- 
nization of the Black Band?” 

Perfectly well. It is an organized society for carrying 
on a systematic plan of plundering.” 

Well put. Now this man whom you would have killed 
like a dog may be able to bring a great deal of money into 
our net. We are sure of one man’s wealth through him, at 
any rate — his uncle, George Bachman.” 

^^Your own brother, according to your own account of 
yourself.” 

^^Bosh! what matters it if he is? There is very little 
fraternal love between us. I hate George. He holds a 
large share of wealth, a portion of which should be mine. 
Through his nephew, who is also my son, I’m determined 
to get what is rightfully my own.” 

Humph! Before you count too strongly on his aid. 
I’d advise you to make sure that the blow I dealt him has 
not put him out of the way altogether.” 

Your suggestion is a good one,” said Captain Lavern, 
evincing considerable trepidation as he bent over Ned’s 
motionless figure. 

There was a brief silence; then the elder villain rose to 
his feet again. 

^'His heart beats,” he said, drawing a deep breath of re- 
lief, ^'and consciousness is slowly returning.” 


96 


NED BACHMAN 


You would not let me settle accounts with him/^ said 
Barton, '^as I wished to do. Therefore you must put 
him out of the way of troubling me for a few days." 

I will," exclaimed Captain Lavern, with sudden anima- 
tion. 

^^How?" 

The dungeon. Had you forgotten that?" 

A shudder passed through Barton^s frame in spite of him- 
self. When the door of the dungeon, as it had been named 
by one of the band who had spent a number of days in its 
sombre shades, once closed on an inmate, they scarcely 
opened again to let him out a living man to the air and 
sunshine. 

^^You will confine Ned Bachman in the dungeon?" 
asked Barton, half distrustfully. 

Yes; at least until I can bring him to terms," Captain 
Lavern replied in a significant tone of voice. 

That will be long enough for my purpose;" and the 
rascal smiled when he thought what- an easy prey Hero 
must now become, since he would have no fear of inter- 
ruption from our hero. 

^^He must be removed at once." 

Can we not raise him between us?" 

Barton nodded, though with very ill grace. He and 
Captain Lavern raised Ned^s senseless body between them, 
and, not without difficulty, succeeded in bearing him be- 
tween them to the subterranean prison with which this 
the strangest of all strange buildings was provided. Here 
he was thrust into a black and noisome cell, and left to 
recover himself as best he might. 


NED BACHMAN, 


97 


CHAPTER XYIII. 

THE DUXGEOH. 

Some time elapsed before Xed Bachman^s senses fully 
returned to him. 

He woke to consciousness at last to find himself lying on 
a pile of damp and musty straw, surrounded by deep dark- 
ness. 

He very readily comprehended the truth — that his ene- 
mies had made him their prisoner. 

Had Nancy betrayed him? No, she must have intended 
to serve him faithfully. At any rate, she had guided him 
to the window from whence he had witnessed the second 
abduction of Hero. 

Beyond a doubt, the girl was as truly his friend as she 
professed to be. 

Escape seemed impossible, and yet, good God! he must 
escape, or Heroes dishonor would surely be compassed. 

He paced the fioor in a perfect agony of distress until 
completely exhausted. Then he threw himself on the pile 
of straw, and kindly Nature, pitying his misery, at last 
came to his relief, and he sank into a heavy and dreamless 
slumber. 

He must have lain there for several hours. When at 
last he awoke, he saw that he had had a visitor, for an oil- 
lamp was burning on the floor, and a tray of refreshments 
stood near it. 

He caught up the lamp, and by its friendly light pro- 
ceeded to examine his cell. It was a room about ten feet 
square, and seemed to be constructed of solid masonry. 

Of course the door was secured on the outside. He was 


98 


KED BACHMAN. 


as much a prisoner as though shut up in the deepest dun- 
geon of the Bastile. 

The hours wore on in silent monotony, maddening to the 
brain of man. At last footsteps were heard to approach 
the cell, and a folded slip of paper was thrust between the 
bars of the grating let into the door, and then the foot- 
steps hastily retreated. 

Ned picked up the paper, and found it to be addressed 
to himself. It ran thus: 

My Darlin’G: Do you think I have deserted you? No, 
no. I could never do that. I am only biding my time. 
No stone shall be left unturned until you again walk the 
earth a free man. I swear it. 

You have Barton and Captain Lavern to thank for 
your incarceration. I donT know why they wish to detain 
you here. They will tell me nothing; neither can I gain 
permission to see you. It was with great reluctance that 
they permitted me to send' these few lines to you. 

Believe me, darling, I am working- hard to deliver you 
from your imprisonment. You know the terrible power 
the men of the Black Band hold over me and my father. I 
know their secrets, and yet am bound by a most horrible 
oath not to betray them. 

But I will never desert you. Only be patient, and in 
good time you will be released once more. If any propo- 
sitions are made to you by Captain Lavern or others, I 
advise you to accept them. It may be your only hope. I 
am so helpless of myself alone. 

That God will keep and sustain you is the fervent 
prayer of Hortei^se.^^ 

Ned read the note to the last line. Then he deliberate- 
ly tore it into shreds and scattered the fragments on the 
floor, while a disdainful smile curled his lips. 


NED BACHMAN 


99 


That woman is as false as she is fair/’ he muttered. 

111 spite of all her fine words, I am convinced she has 
loaned herself to the plot Barton and Captain Lavern has 
hatched for my ruin.^^ 

He did not say ^^my father^^ on this occasion. It 
seemed as though the words would blister his tongue. 

On learning from the note that the captain of the Black 
Band was concerned in his incarceration he experienced a 
sudden revulsion of feeling towards the man he had worked 
so hard to reform. 

I owe no affection to a man who can deliberately plot 
my ruin, as I now fully believe Captain Larven has done,^^ 
he thought. 

Then his thoughts reverted to Hortense. He recalled 
how the girl Nancy had warned him to beware of her. 
^‘The girl was right in her judgment; I am sure of it. 
And yet that woman is my betrothed wife.” 

The mere thought sent a shiver of disgust through his 
veins. 

Another hour wore on. Then at last a key was turned 
in the lock and Captain Lavern entered the cell. 

He was a trifle paler than his wont, and not wholly at 
ease. Nevertheless he came forward bowing and smiling, 
and trying to make quite a show of careless good-nature. 

How do you like your quarters, my boy?” he cried out 
in well-simulated cheerfulness. 

Humph!” muttered Ned. ^^I suppose I have you to 
thank for this indignity.” 

Me and Eugene Barton.” 

Yes. How affectionately solicitous you are for my 
welfare! You dare not even trust me with my liberty. I 
wonder if all parents are like yourself.” 

Captain Lavern studied the face before him closely by 
the flickering lamplight. You want your liberty,” he 
said presently. You can regain it.” 







NED BACHMAN 


101 


How?’^ cried Ned, eagerly. 

By obe}dng my orders.” 

Of course,” said Ned bitterly. 

Let me tell you the conditions of your release.” 

I will listen.” 

You have not forgotten the conversation that passed 
between you and myself on a previous occasion ?” 

To what conversation do you refer?” 

Pshaw!” cried Captain Lavern, petulantly. ^^You 
know very well. You urged me to reform, to give up my 
present mode of life. I promised to do so if you on your 
side would — ” 

If I would rob my uncle and benefactor — the man who 
has filled the place you should have held, and been more 
than a father to me,” interrupted Ned, indignantly. 

Captain Lavern seemed wholly unmoved. That 
promise I made you is still open for your acceptance,” he 
said coolly. Do as I wish, and you shall have your 
liberty from the moment your word is given.” 

Never!” 

^^Bah! You’d better take a second thought.” 

I can have no second thought where the question in- 
volves my honor,” said Ned. 

^^Ned, my dear boy,” said the Captain, smoothly, 

please to bear in mind that another question besides your 
safety or my redemption, is now involved.” 

^^Wliat is that?” 

Hero Dalton’s honor.” 

The young man started as though he had received a 
heavy blow. 

‘^Good God!” he gasped. 

know you love her, and are anxious to save her. 
How can you do that unless your own liberty is restored to 
you? You are her only friend. If you desert her, she is 
lost indeed/’ 


102 


NED BACHMAN 


Ned paced wildly over the hard^ damp floor. His brain 
was becoming confused. 

Do you refuse to save the woman you love from dis- 
honor persisted Captain Lavern. 

Ned looked at him sternly. Was it to make such a 
bargain as you have proposed that you first invited me to 
this den of robbers he asked. 

No matter/^ answered the Captain, who now seemed 
inclined to throw off all disguise. It is enough that you 
know the price of your freedom. What have you to say? 
Do you agree to my terms 

‘^No; a thousand times no!” 

^‘Very well,” said Captain Lavern, his tone perfectly 
unruffled still. You may yet see cause to alter your de- 
cision.” 

Then he left the cell, locking the door behind him. 

More than twenty-four hours of agony and suspense went 
by in that lonely dungeon before Captain Lavern made his 
appearance a second time. 

‘^Have you come to your senses?” were his first words of 
greeting. 

You are driving my senses from me,” cried Ned. 

Do you agree to my terms?” 

No.” 

The tone was clear and distinct, without a trace of hesi- 
tation or indecision. It was evident our hero was firm in 
his resolution not to betray his benefactor. 

The Captain shrugged his shoulders and smiled signifi- 
cantly. Miss Dalton is still unharmed,” he said. But 
I may not be able to say as much the next time I come.” 
He quitted the cell without another word. 

Two or three hours later, as Ned was sitting on his pile 
of straw, his head resting on his clasped hands, a sharp, 
clicking sound struck suddenly on his ear. 

He started to his feet in great trepidation. Just as he 


NED BACHMAN. 


103 


did so, a portion of what had seemed the solid wall of the 
cell swung inward, and the girl Nancy stepped through 
the opening, bearing a lighted lamp in her hand. 

A cry fell from Node’s lips. 

Oh, you have come to set me free!'’^ he exclaimed. 

“ Silence she whispered, raising one hand with a warn- 
ing gesture. Follow me without a word, and I’ll do what 
I can to save you.” 

^^How did you discover my prison?” he persisted in 
asking. ^ 

remained in the room where the trap-door is, and 
heard Captain Lavern and Barton laying their plans. But 
I could not come sooner to your rescue, for I was suspected 
and have been watched.” 

Lead on,” said Ned, then. ^‘^You may be sure I’m 
ready to go.” 

He followed the strange girl through the secret door, 
which closed noiselessly behind them. Before them was a 
narrow passage and a rude steep staircase, which they as- 
cended. 

Above they found a door; entering through that they 
were in another narrow and gloomy passage. When the 
fugitives were midway of this last, footsteps were heard 
approaching. Nancy hastily extinguished the light she 
carried. 

‘‘Good God!” she cried. “ I fear we are lost!” 

She pulled Ned into an angle of the wall, and crouched 
flat on the floor behind him, holding her very breath. 

Meanwhile the steps came nearer and nearer. 


104 


NED BACHMAN 


CHAPTER XIX. 

DETECTED. 

Ckouched in an angle of the passage, Ned realized 
in every tingling nerve of his body the imminent danger of 
discovery he was incurring. The footsteps sounded fright- 
fully near, and now a gleam of light penetrated the pas- 
sage and he saw several persons approaching, and among 
the rest Captain Lavern and the dwarf Mansauel. 

‘^For God^s sake donT stir \” whispered Nancy. 

He pressed her hand as a sign that he comprehended as 
well as the girl herself tli£ nature of the peril that men- 
aced them. But now the men were too close for him to 
risk a reply in words. 

Their enemies strode forward, keeping close together and 
in the centre of the passage. They passed the fugitives, 
aud Ned was drawing a deep breath of relief when Captain 
Lavern, who was carrying one of the lamps that was to 
guide their feet, turned and thrust it into the very angle 
of the wall in which our hero and his companion were con- 
cealed. His quick ear heard the sound of some suspicious 
movement in there. 

Ah, ha! who is this?^^ he exclaimed. 

Ned jumped to his feet, and attempted to dart past him; 
but the clever villain anticipated this movement, and sud- 
denly thrust the lamp into the hand of some of his follow- 
ers and caught the young man^s arm in a vise-like grip. 
In the momentary silence that ensued, Captain Lavern 
had recognized, not without some feeling of deep surprise, 
however, who was his captive. Bending nearer the young 
man, he said in a whisper.- 


NED BACHMAN 


105 


'^Idon^t knowhow you could escape from that cell; 
but you must go back, or rather to another one. The power 
is all in my hands, and youM better submit quietly. ” 

His face glowed stern and resolute in the flickering lamp- 
light. Ned saw that he had spoken truly, and attempted 
no resistance, since that would be simple madness. 

Meanwhile the girl Nancy, who still crouched low against 
the wall, where the darkness concealed her, had not been 
discovered. A moment later he had the satisfaction of see- 
ing her glide noiselessly down the passage, and was as- 
sured that she, at least, had escaped detection. 

The mind of the young man was soon made up. He 
looked earnestly at the Captain and said, I will go with 
you.^^ 

It is well for you.” Then aloud he added: This is a 
surprise. Were you hunting for Barton? Of course you 
were. Just come this way and Ifll show 3mu where to find 
him.” 

While this conversation was taking place, Ned caught 
the eye of Mansauel the dwarf, fixed upon his face in an 
earnest, significant look such as he wholly failed to inter- 
pret. 

“ What does that ugly brute mean by staring at me so 
fixedly?” he said to himself. 

The Captain now extended his hand for one of the lamps. 

Eemain here, men,” he said earnestly. I will return as 
soon as I guide my son to his destination.” 

He slipped his hand under Ned^s arm and motioned 
towards the door leading to the cell our hero had just 
quitted. How did you succeed in escaping?” he asked 
when once at a safe distance from the men. By the 
secret passage, of course?” 

‘^Yes.” 

^^How did you discover it?” 

That,” answered Ned, ^^is my secret.” 


100 


NED BACHMAN 


He was determined not to implicate Nancy in any way. 

‘‘Fm going to give you new quarters, any way/^ said 
Captain Lavern. A cell in which you can only find egress 
in the regular orthodox manner. 

Ned^s blood coursed like fire through his veins. 

I may refuse to suffer myself to be shut up again," he 
said in a low, deep voice. 

^^No, you will not. We are alone. It would only be 
a trial of my strength against yours; and remember that I 
am your father." 

'^When have you remembered that I am your son?" said 
Ned, bitterly. 

There hasnT been much love lost between us," he said 
in reply. Nevertheless, you will not try to break away 
from me; and here is the proof that you will not." 

For some minutes his right hand had been resting in his 
bosom. Now he suddenly drew it out, bringing a pistol 
with it. 

single treacherous movement on your part and I 
shoot you dead at my feet," he exclaimed. 

Put up your weapon," said Ned, disdainfully. Crime- 
stained as you are, I cannot forget that to you I owe my 
existence. I scorn to struggle with you." 

The Captain^s blue eyes twinkled maliciously. 

Good!" he cried. The gods be praised that I have 
so filial a son." 

Smiling to himself, he led the way down the steep stair- 
case and past the cell in which Ned had before been an en- 
forced inmate, and finally paused before a second door. 

Ned glanced back just as he was crossing the threshold 
of the cell. He thought he had heard the faint echo of 
footsteps, and now he distinctly saw a small, misshapen 
figure retreating hastily along the passage. 

Had Mansauel the dwarf followed him? and if so, for 
what purpose? 


NED BACHMAN 


107 


Let me repeat my terms once more and for the last 
time/^ said Captain Lavern, turning abruptly upon his com- 
panion. Consent to conduct myself and a few faithful 
followers to the Hall and tell us where your uncle’s money 
and valuables are secreted, and you are at liberty to go 
wherever you wish.” 

I will never do that.” 

The baffled villain swung on his heel. You^ll come to 
your senses yet,” he growled, going slowly from the cell. 

Some hours wore on. Misery made Ked wakeful and 
he could not close his eyes. Too many wretched thoughts 
were urging upon his brain to admit of sleep. Suddenly 
a key was turned in the lock of his cell door, and a 
man glided through the open door almost noiselessly. It 
was Mansauel the dwarf. 

^^You?” cried Ned, regarding him in unbounded sur- 
prise. 

Hush!” whispered the dwarf. ‘‘Don’t betray me.” 

“ Why are you here?” 

“ I came for a little talk with you.” 

Ned’s amazement deepened. 

“Well?” he said slowly. 

“ You came here the other night in search of Hero Dal- 
ton,” cried Mansauel, excitedly. “You suspected that 
she had been detained here by Eugene Barton.” 

“ Yes.” 

“ I know much more than you suspect. I’ve watched, 
and listened, and waited for this very chance.” 

“ Do you know what has become of Hero Dalton?” 

“You saw her driven away from this house by Barton’s 
men,” continued Mansauel, who seemed determined to 
demonstrate his sagacity, “ and you would have followed 
her abductors, but Barton himself set upon you. You 
were borne to the neighboring dungeon by him and Cap- 
tain Lavern,” 


108 


NED BACHMAN 


Yes,” answered Ned. 

'‘You see I^’m well posted,” grinned the dwarf. "Now 
you will ask me why I am here. I answer in one word, 
that I came to help you.” 

Ned started forward and seized his hand. "Will you 
aid me to escape from this place?” he cried eagerly. 

Mansauel shook his head. " My hand must not be seen 
in this business, or my life would pay the forfeit. You 
must gain liberty for yourself by consenting to the cap- 
tain’s terms.” 

" Then you do not intend to help me at all?” 

" Yes, I do; for I’ll tell you where Miss Dalton has been 
taken ” 

"Tell me now.” 

"No,” was the sullen answer. " I’m a member of the 
Black Band, and I won’t go back on my pals; but if you 
will consent to Captain’s Lavern’s proposition, I will tell 
you.” 

" Captain Lavern sent you here to sound me.” 

"No, he did not. I’ve run a great risk in coming at 
all.” 

Ned looked at him keenly and suspiciously. 

" I do not comprehend your object in coming here,” he 
said slowly. 

MansaueTs face darkened until it was terrible to look 
upon. The scar on his cheek stood out livid and promi- 
nent. The fury of an angry devil glowered from his burn- 
ing eye. 

" Do you see that?” he hissed between his teeth, laying 
one finger against his cheek. "Eugene Barton gave me 
that mark. Curse him, curse him! He struck me as if I 
had been the veriest cur fawning at his feet. And he shall 
smart for it.” 

Mansauel shrugged his crooked shoulders. 

" I was taken with her pretty face, it must be acknowl- 


NED BACHMAN. 


109 


edged. Who could resist her? Nobody has ever loved me 
since my mother fondled me, a child, on her knee. I am 
too ugly to inspire love, but I did not think of that. 

“Poor fellow said Ned, pityingly. 

Wee’ll not speak of that,^^ said the dwarf, hastily. 
“The delusion is over. It was a foolish error on my 
part, and did not last long. Now there is no room in my 
heart for love; it is entirely filled with a burning thirst for 
revenge.^’ 

“Not on Miss Dalton?” 

“No. She never wronged me. But on Barton. I 
hate him! He struck me, and I never forgive a blow. It 
shall cost him dear before I die.” 

Ned shuddered, in spite of himself, at sight of the 
smouldering fury burning in the dwarf’s eyes. 

“What will you do?” he asked. 

“Foil my enemy in every manner possible. Cause his 
schemes to come to naught. Baffle him, harass him, de- 
feat him; and by and by come to a deadly reckoning with 
him.” 

He waited for no reply from Ned, but, having given 
utterance to those last words, he turned on his heel and 
quitted the cell. 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE MIDHIGHT EXPEDITION. 

The morning subsequent to the events narrated in the 
last chapter was well advanced when Captain Lavern made 
his appearance in the underground room where Ned Bacli- 
man sat, ruminating as calmly as possible over the propo- 
sition Mansauel the dwarf had made him. 


110 


NED BACHMAN. 


^^YouVe had anight for reflection/^ the Captain said, 
in an abrupt tone of voice. I now ask yon, and for the 
last time, what is your decision?*^ 

Ned calmly met the searching gaze flxed on his face. 

In other words, he said, will I consent to become 
a party to the robbery of my uncle or not?” 

Humph! suit yourself in the terms you employ.” 

You are determined to make me your accomplice in 
your crimes?” 

^‘^Yes. You know precisely where George keeps his 
money and valuables, and can guide us directly to the proper 
spot.” 

That is true.” 

Will you do it?” 

I will,” answered Ned, though not without a struggle. 

Captain Lavern uttered a low exclamation of satisfac- 
tion. I thought you would come to your senses pres- 
ently, my boy,” he said triumphantly. 

Hero must be saved at any sacrifice,” said Ned, half to 
himself. 

Ah, there^s the rub, eh?” 

You know very well that it is not concern for my own 
life that has induced me to become a party to the crime 
you have planned,” the young man returned scornfully. 

Bah! your motive is nothing, and less than nothing, to 
me.” 

Yes; you were only concerned to gain my consent.” 

True. And you have given it,” said Captain Laf ern, 
tauntingly. 

' Ned turned away his head. When am I to be set at 
liberty?” he asked. 

‘^To-night, after you have accompanied us to the Hall 
and gone through with your part of the programme.” 

Ned attempted no further remonstrance. He saw very 
clearly that it would be useless. 


FED BACHMAN. 


Ill 


Then you agree to what I propose?” 

The inmates of the house are not to be disturbed?” 

Of course not.” 

Uncle George always intended to make me his heir. 
The plunder you get to-night can be deducted from the 
amount he would have left me. I think he will forgive 
me for becoming a party to the crime when he knows all 
the facts.” 

^^What!” cried Captain Lavern, with a furious oath, 

you^ll not be such a fool as to tell him you had a hand in 
the scheme?” 

Most assuredly,” was the quiet answer. 

^^He may believe your version of the story or he may 
not.” 

True; but he shall hear it none the less.” 

Captain Lavern stood biting his lip. He look baffled 
and angry, as if matters were likely to take a ditferent turn 
from what he had anticipated. 

YouM better come away with us after the deed is done, 
and not return till to-morrow. Keep a quiet tongue in 
your head and George may never know your agency in the 
robbery.” 

It doesnT make any ditference to me what you may 
say. My mind is made up. But i should like to know 
what you expect to gain by to-nighCs work. There is 
something, I can see, besides the money you are aftei*.” 

‘^It does not matter what may end by to-nighh’s expedi- 
tion,” said the Captain, gruffly. ‘^You have given your 
word and will not go back from it.” 

I have no such intentions.” Then turning suddenly, 
he added; Ko matter what may happen, you will not 
offer personal harm to Uncle George?” 

^^Ko.” 

And there the conference ended. 

. Ked waited with all the patience he could command for 


112 


NED BACHMAN 


night to fall. Having once made up his mind to save 
Hero Dalton at whatever sacrifice, at whatever cost, to him- 
self, the dragging moments seemed like so many hours, 
until he could do something towards putting his fixed de- 
termination into execution. 

The hours wore on. Of course N’ed had no means of 
accurately marking time in his dismal prison. But when 
he Judged it must be verging upon midnight, Captain 
Lavern, followed by two of his men, entered the cell. 

We are ready, said the former. 

So am returned Ned. 

The two men silently placed themselves on either side of 
him. Between them he was led from the cell up a flight 
of steps, along several passages, until finally a heavy oaken 
door seemed to bar all further progress. 

The Captain, who acted as guide, produced a key and 
unlocked the door. 

The whole party passed through, and, to his infinite Joy, 
Ned once again felt the free air of heaven strike upon his 
forehead. 

A glance around convinced him he was in the self-same 
alley from which he had first gained admittance to the 
ruinous and apparently deserted public-house. 

He was led down the alley for some distance, to where a 
carriage was in waiting. Jump in,^^ said one of the men 
who were guiding him. 

Ned obeyed, and seated himself in the carriage. Captain 
Lavern followed him, and the other rufiSans mounted the 
box with the driver. 

They drove rapidly, and after the lapse of about thirty 
minutes the carriage stopped with a Jerk. 

Here we are,"” said one of the men, appearing at the 
door and speaking in a low tone of voice. 

Our little party left the carriage, which for prudence^ 
sake had been stopped in a shady lane about a dozen rods 


NED BACHMAN 


113 


from the Hall, where the thick foliage of a gi’oup of trees 
effectually concealed it from the observation of any chance 
passer-by in the thoroughfare beyond, if there should be 
any such at that late hour of night. 

But Captain Lavern, accompanied by Ked and tlie two 
men, started at a brisk pace for the Hall. 

On the porch they paused for brief consultation. ^^Of 
course you have a latch-key?’^ said Captain Lavern, ad- 
dressing Ned. 

^^Yes.^^ • 

Then open the door for us, and take care that you 
lead us direct to the spot where George keeps his money. 
Now be on your guard. No dallying, no playing off, re- 
member. I intend to shoot you dead at my feet at the 
first sign of treachery.” 

I meditate nothing of the sort,” returned Ned. 

When I agreed to conduct you here, I made up my mind 
to serve you faithfully.” 

He stepped toward the door as he spoke, then staggered 
and stood still in his tracks. The full enormity of the 
crime he was about to commit made itself frightfully 
clear to his mind. 

Here is the key,” he said. Open the door; I cannot.” 

He staggered backward to the wall. Captain Lavern, 
with a smothered curse, snatched the key from his hand 
and proceeded to unlock the door, which he pushed softly 
ajar. 

It opened with scarce a sound. Then suddenly from 
within came a rush of feet, a defiant shout, followed by 
several pistol-shots discharged in rapid succession. 

There was a heavy fall, and a deep groan of pain. 


114 


NED BACHMAN. 


CHAPTER XXL 

It is now time that we should return to our unfortunate 
heroine, whom we left locked in an upper chamber at Bri- 
armere. It was a luxuriously furnished apartment, and 
Hero shuddered as her keen eye swept over the room. The 
poor girl understood but too well that these pictured walls 
must have witnessed many a scene of outrage in times past, 
and her very heart grew sick within her. She immediately 
crossed over to the window, which was half hidden in 
voluminous folds of heavy silk. They were all securely 
nailed down, and resisted all her efforts to raise them. By 
placing her face close to the glass she was able to see with- 
out. The apartment fronted on the back yard, and she 
could not see the Hall at all, or scarcely any familiar ob- 
ject. She was in the third story, and there was a sheer de- 
scent of many feet from her window to the ground, with- 
out any break whatever in the way of balconies or project- 
ing caps. Even if the casements had not been secured, 
escape in this way would have been out of the question. 
She threw herself on the couch, a prey to despair. The 
long night wore away at last. 

The next morning was considerably advanced, when a key 
t'lrned sharply in the lock, and Monsieur de Xoir entered 
the apartment, bearing a neatly arranged breakfast-tray. 

Good-morning, my angel, was his greeting, as he ap- 
proached with a smile upon his lips. I hope you rested 
well.” 

‘^Do you think it possible for me to rest well in such a 
place?” Hero exclaimed indignantly. 

^MVhy not? Surely you are surrounded by luxuries a 
queen might covet.” 


KED BACHMAK. 


115 




They are the price of crime.” 

‘SSo, so. What is that to you, my beauty — or to me, for 
that matter? I seldom concern myself with regard to what 
transpires in the room.” 

‘‘1 can readily believe that.” 

Monsieur de ^s’oir gave vent to a good-natured laugh. 

0 fatal beauty I” he said tauntijigly. If you were only 
ugly, you would never have been shut up here.” 

Hero clasped her hands, while an expression ^of heart- 
felt agony rested on her features. At that moment she 
would have changed places with the ugliest of God’s crea- 
tures if she might but leave this terrible house. 

‘^0 blessed beauty!” murmured De Noir, advancing as 
if to embrace her. 

What would you do? Leave!” screamed the frightened 
girl, retreating to the wall. 

Will you not grant me a single kiss, my angel?” 

^ ^ N ever ! F or G od’s sake go away !” 

And leave you? I haven’t the fortitude. Fm begin- 
ning to envy Monsieur Barton his charming prize.” 

A sensual, cruel light burned in his eyes. He flung out 
both his arms. Hero cowered before him, nearly wild 
with terror. A scream. for assistance was on her lips, when 
suddenly a loud, sneering laugh sounded through the room. 
Monsieur de Noir stopped short. His arms fell listlessly to 
his side, and he stared aghast at the intruder. It was 
Hortense, his daughter. 

^H’ve put a stop to your little game. Miss Dalton. Per- 
haps it is quite as well, on the whole,” and she gave her 
father a threatening look. I scarcely think Mr. Barton 
would exactly relish your attentions to Miss Dalton, did he 
know of them.” 

De Noir had the grace to color. 

^^On my word of honor, Hortense,” he stammered, ‘^I 
meant nothing by them.” 


116 


NED BACHMAN 


Hortense’s lip curled scornfully, 

course you meant nothing. Men never do mean 
anything until they have accomplished their object.^' 

Cruel, cruel Hortense!^^ 

Don't come the sentimental dodge with me, papa; it^s 
of no use. You and I understand each other far too well.’"’ 

He lauglied carelessly. 

‘‘^rilgoaway this minute.' Barton shall have nothing 
further to complain of in my conduct towards his charming 
prize, I give you my word. I^m determined to crucify the 
flesh. 

The bland villain bowed low, then turned on his heel and 
left the room. 

Hero had been watching the two like some frightened 
fawn, trembling from head to foot. She now caught hold 
of Hortense^s hand and raised it suddenly to her lips. 

God bless you!” she faltered. You have saved me.” 

Hortense snatched away her hand as if those innocent 
lips would have bred infection. 

^‘^Do you think I interfered to save you?” she cried 
sharply. If so, you are sadly mistaken. I hate you, with 
your pretty face and babyish ways. The sooner you are 
grovelling in the dust — ^too vile a creature for my lips to 
name — the better I will be pleased. But I did not choose 
that my father should be the instrument of your ruin.” 

Having given utterance to these bitter words, that false, 
heartless woman quitted the chamber. 

Towards nightfall a second intruder crossed the thresh- 
old of her prison. This time it was Peggy, the old hag, 
Heroes attendant when a prisoner in the den of the Black 
Band. Of course Hero remembered having seen the old 
woman, but she was not a little surprised to meet her at 
Briarmere. 

^^Why have you come here?” asked Hero. 


NED BACHMAN 


117 


To bring up your supper, in course,” grinned Peggy, 
depositing the tray she carried upon the table. 

I mean why have you come to Briarmere?” asked Hero, 
to whom the visits of the old hag were not any too welcome. 

^‘^He, he! Because Barton sent me.” 

“ For what?^^ 

To take care of you, I reckon, until he is ready to take 
care of you himself.” 

‘‘When will that be?” she forced herself to ask. 

“ Don’t know. P raps sooner, p’raps later.” 

The poor girl tried to eat, thinking to gain a little time 
in this way. 

“Where is Haney?” she asked abruptly, taking up the 
tea-cup and making an effort to swallow a few drops of the 
beverage. 

Peggy gave her a suspicious look. 

“Who’s Haney?” she growled. 

“ The young girl I saw in the den of the Black Band.” 

“Humph! She’s there yet, I reckon; and likely to re- 
main there, for that matter.” 

“ Does she know where I have been taken?” 

“ Of course not. AYhat business could it be of hers, I’d 
like to know?” 

Hero sighed heavily. Unacknowledged even to herself, 
she had, up to this moment, cherished a hope that Haney 
might have found out where she had been imprisoned, and 
that she would have sent the proper information to her 
friends. Oh, how earnestly she prayed that Hed had not 
fallen a victim to his zeal in her behalf! 

Peggy soon went away, refusing to answer any more ques- 
tions. Two or three days elapsed without event of any sort. 
The old woman regularly brought up her meals, but the cap- 
tive girl saw no one else, not even Hortense. She was sitting 
in a listless attitude by the window, one night, at a very late 
hour. The time, the reader must bear in mind, was nearly 


118 


NED BACHMAN 


twenty-four hours subsequent to the burglarious expedition 
led by Captain Lavern, a portion of the events of which 
we recounted in the last chapter. Suddenly the door opened 
and Monsieur de Noir entered the apartment. His eyes 
were wild and burning, and he had evidenly been drinking; 
hut there was no mistaking the impassioned gaze he fixed 
upon our heroine^s face as he slowly advanced to where she 
was sitting. 

“ I^m no ascetic, my angel, he said in a low, dogged tone 
of voice. Ma fois! WhaCs the use of struggling? I 
can^t resist. Though Barton and a legion of devils stood 
in my way, Vd defy them all to possess you.” 

Even as his scorching breath burned on her cheek, the 
girl shook off the bonds of horror that held her. She 
sprang to her feet, pushed him violently from her, and 
darted towards the door. 

Joy, joy! The villain had neglected to close the door be- 
hind him when he entered the apartment. She darted into 
the passage and down a flight of stairs, shrieking at the top 
of her voice in uncontrolled terror. In the hall below two 
frantic arms suddenly encircled her flying figure, and the 
false, treacherously sweet voice of Hortense de Noir hissed 
close to her ear. 

Girl, girl, you shall not escape me. You shall not. 
I’ll strangle you sooner!” 

At this same instant a strange confusion arose from be- 
low, and flying feet were heard darting up the stairs. Help 
was coming to one or the other of these struggling women. 
But to which? 


NED BACHMAN 


119 


CHAPTER XXII. 

THE BEGIJnXIXG OF THE EJs^D. 

It was a moment of intense excitement when the bur- 
glarious attempt of Captain Lavern and his confederates 
met with such an unexpected check. 

As we have already stated in another chapter of this 
veracious narrative, the instant the door was pushed open 
by the daring leader of the band, they were suddenly 
greeted by a volley of pistol-shots. There was an instanta- 
neous recoil, and cries of rage and wonderment filled the 
air. One of the men fell heavily to the ground. The 
other two, after hesitating a minute, as if tempted even 
then to contest the victory, turned on their heels at last 
and fled for dear life. Xed crouched still more closely to 
the wall, expecting nothing else than that, in the excite- 
ment and confusion of the moment, he would be mistaken 
for one of the robbers, and shot down in his tracks. In- 
deed, his fears were very nearly realized. Three or four 
dark forms came thronging out upon the porch, one of 
whom sprang upon our hero and pushed the cold muzzle 
of a pistol against his forehead. 

Don’t fire,” he cried. I’m a friend.” 

Then there was a sudden exclamation close to his side, 
and the weapon was struck from the hand of the man who 
held it. 

It is Xed; he is my nephew!” was uttered in the well- 
remembered tones of his uncle George. 

Yes,” said Ned, calmly, ‘Gt is I.” 

Mr. Bachman himself stood nearer our hero than any of 
the rest. He held out both his hands eagerly to the young 
man. 


120 


NED BACHMAN 


Welcome, welcomed’ he exclaimed. 

Then, in the next breath, he asked, 

AVhy are you here at such a time, and under such 
circumstances?^^ 

Wait,^^ said Ned. ^‘1 will explain, so far as I am able, 
by and by.^^ 

He stepped quickly to the spot where the wounded man 
was lying groaning with pain, and leaned over him a 
minute; tlien rose up again, his face showing deadly pale in 
the gleam of the lights. 

Uncle George, he said in a subdued tone, ^^come 
here.” 

Mr. Bachman advanced to his side. 

Ned pointed silently to the prostrate figure. The elder 
man reluctantly stooped a little nearer. 

^MVho is it, Ned?” he whispered. 

HonT you see? It is my father.” 

Bobert?” groaned Mr. Bachman. 

Good God!” 

God forgive him, for I cannot,” said Mr. Bachman, in 
the same agitated tone of voice. He came here again to 
rob me. Such conduct is without excuse.” 

He may be dying.” 
hope he is.” 

“Oh, Uncle George, donT say that! Vile as this man 
is, remember that he is your brother — that the same mother 
nursed you both.” 

The appeal was not without its effect. 

“ Lift up the poor wretch and bear him to a bedroom,” 
said Mr. Bachman, addressing the servants. 

A physician was immediately summoned; while the butler, 
who possessed some little surgical knowledge, attempted to 
stay the loss of blood while waiting for the physician to 
arrive. 

Ned could not remain in the chamber of the wounded 


NED BACHMAN. 


121 


man and listen to the groans of agony. So he drew Mr. 
Bachman into the library and carefully closed the door of 
communication. 

Both uncle and nephew were very pale. Ned, thinking 
how his uncle would receive the explanations he had to 
make, was particularly agitated, and Mr. Bachman was 
Vei’y much shaken by finding his brother wounded. 

Tell me,^^ said Ned, the instant he had closed the 
door, ‘Miow it happened that you were up and dressed at 
the time the burglars attempted to force an entrance?” 

I could not sleep. To be frank, I was thinking of you, 
Ned, and wondering why you did not come home, or send 
some word as to 3mur whereabouts. I sat in this very 
room, deep in thought, when I heard some suspicious noise 
on the lawn.” 

You suspected at once that something was amiss?” 

Yes. I had not forgotten Robertas former attempt to 
rob me. And I had all along been unable to banish the pre- 
sentiment that the attempt would be repeated, either by 
Robert himself or by some other members of the gang to 
which he evidently belongs.” 

“ Yes, yes.” 

I was prepared for such an event.” 

^^How prepared?” 

had a policeman stationed in the house. You must 
have seen him.” 

I did observe a strange face among the servants.” 

^"That was the officer.” 

Ned drew a deep breath of relief. In spite of the suffer- 
ings of the wicked man who claimed to be his father, he 
could not help feeling thankful that the affair had termi- 
nated in such a manner. 

^^And you?” cried ^Ir. Bachman, suddenly. ‘‘Wcie 
you in company with those desperate men?” 

I was.” 


122 


NED BACHMAN 


'^How did it happen 

There was no suspicion in the voice of the elder man as 
he asked the above question; only intense interest. Ned 
noticed the fact and was much pleased. 

I cannot tell you any of the particulars/^ Ned answered, 
very quietly. All I can tell you is that I was compelled 
to give them ingress to this house, and must have told them 
where to find your money and valuables had the affair 
terminated differently.” 

And you would have done it? Oh, Ned!” 

Uncle, I dared not to refuse to become their accomplice. 
The consequences involved were far too terrible to risk a 
refusal of their demands.” 

^^They should be very terrible indeed.” 

^^Do not reproach me. Uncle George.” 

Mr. Bachman studied the young man’s face very earnestly 
for several minutes.^ 

There is something in all this that I do not under- 
stand,” he said at last. ^'But you have always been true 
and faithful, my boy, and I’ll not distrust you now.” 

God bless you. Uncle George!” 

Can you tell me nothing?” 

“Nothing. I am bound by an oath.” 

He referred to the oath he had taken to keep the secrets 
of the Black Band. 

“ I can guess something of the truth, I think,” said Mr. 
Bachman, after a short pause. “But we will let the 
subject drop, since it appears to distress you. Have you 
succeeded in your quest? Have you discovered Hero 
Dalton?” 

“No. But I hope to find her very soon. A person who 
knows where she is imprisoned has promised to communi- 
cate with me.” 

“ Then she is really kept a prisoner?” 

“ Yes.” 


NED BACHMAN 


123 


Why have you sent no word to me of your whereabouts 
during these days of your absence 

I could not/^ 

^^Ah," cried Mr. Bachman, ^‘we are verging on the 
forbidden topic once more! I will not question you more, 
Ned.^^ 

The physician soon made his appearance. After he had 
had time to examine thoroughly into the condition of the 
wounded burglar, he was summoned into the library. Ned 
met him at the door. 

How is your patient, doctor?” he asked anxiously. 

The physician shook his head gravely. 

^^How long will he last?” 

Twenty-four hours, perhaps.” 

Ned^s hand sought Mr. Bachman^ and the two met in a 
significant pressure. They entered the chamber of the 
wounded man and drew near the bed. Captain Lavern 
opened his eyes as they approached, and fixed on them a 
look of vengeful hate and rage. He seemed to have fully 
recovered his senses. 

'‘^You have won,” he hissed savagely. just my 

cursed luck to. be foiled on the eve of success. That is too 
much.” 

^^You were engaged in an unlawful act that merited 
defeat,” answered Mr. Bachman, sternly. 

^^Ha, ha!” and the villain laughed mockingly. 

What do you mean by your strange words and stranger 
actions?” asked Mr. Bachman. 

^‘That boy!” and the dying man lifted one trembling 
finger and pointed at Ned. You came in like the best of 
friends. You are just as fond of him as ever?” 

"'Why should I not be fond of him?” said Mr. Bachman, 
surprised at the villain^s malevolence. 

" Did he not come here this very night to rob you? Is 
he not fast going to the bad? In short, is he any better 


NED BACHMAN 


1-24 


than I am, or any one of my friends and members of my 
band?" 

‘'Calm yourself," said Mr. Bachman, laying his hand on 
the Captain^s arm. “ If you have sought to breed distrust 
between Ned and myself, you have failed signally in your 
purpose. If he came here to-night in company with your 
dastardly gang, it was because he was compelled by peculiar 
circumstances to do so." 

“ Has he betrayed us?" shrieked Captain Lavern. 

“No. Why will you not compose yourself ? You have 
not many hours to live. You had better seek to make 
peace with God before you are summoned before his dread 
tribunal." 

“Die?" cried the poor wretch, staring up at him 
darkly. “I will not die. IM live for revenge, and have it, 
too, in spite of you. YouVe foiled me of it once; you^ll 
not foil me a second time. Die? Ha, ha I youM like to 
make me believe that nonsense, and so worm from me my 
secret. But youM not succeed." 

Ned’s eyes met Mr. Bachman’s in silent perplexity. 
To what secret did the dying man refer? Neither of the 
two had the least idea. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

AT LAST. 

Night wore away and a new day dawned; still there was 
no perceptible change in Captain Lavern’s condition. 
The day waned slowly, and he still lay in that sullen, 
apathetic state, rarely speaking to anybody or taking any 


NEB BACHMAN 


m 


notice of what transpired about him. Ned meanwhile 
experienced an agony of suspense almost beyond his powers 
of endurance. The uncertainty that surrounded Heroes 
fate nearly drove him wild. Mansauel the dwarf did not 
make his appearance as he had promised, and without his 
assistance Ned knew not in what direction to prosecute his 
search. And yet every moment was of untold value. The 
meshes of Barton’s nefarious plot might be closing more and 
more hopelessly about his intended victim with every hour 
that elapsed. Just at sunset he wended his way into the 
garden, his thoughts still occupied in futile efforts to solve 
the secret of Hero’s unknown fate. He had barely reached 
one of the most remote walks when a short, misshapen 
figure crept from behind a thicket and approached swiftly. 
It was Mansauel the dwarf. 

I’ve kept my word,” he said, with a grim smile, when 
he reached the young man’s side. 

Then you will guide me to the place where Miss Dalton 
is imprisoned?” 

I will, at least, tell you where to find her. You have 
kept faith with me, and there is such a thing as honor 
among thieves.” 

You know that Captain Lavern has received his death- 
wound.^” 

Aye, and so does , all the Black Band. But I am not 
here to talk of Captain Lavern. I have my own wrongs 
to avenge. Because of my hatred of Eugene Barton I have 
sworn to help you.” 

Where is Hero concealed?” cried Ned, eagerly, catching 
hold of the dwarf’s hands. Tell me that and I will ask 
no more of you.” 

^‘^She is at this moment detained a prisoner at Briar- 
mere.” 

At Briarmere?” echoed Ned, in tones of intense amaze- 
ment. 


126 


NED BACHMAN 


I’ve told you the truth^’ said Mansauel, sullenly. If 
you don’t believe me, it’s no fault of mine.” 

‘"I do not doubt your word. I was overcome with 
amazement, that was all. How can I reward you for the 
intelligence you have given me?” 

By wresting his victim from Barton’s clutches at the 
very moment when he feels most certain of triumphing 
over her innocence,” was answered. I ask no further 
reward than that.” 

Ned hurried away towards the house. His mind was 
busily revolving all that had just been told him. If the 
dwarf’s story was true — and he had no reason to doubt it — 
Hero and Hortense must be under the same roof, and 
Hortense without a doubt knew of Hero’s imprisonment. 
In that case the former, his betrothed wife, was viler and 
more treacherous than his worst fears had ever depicted her. 

It was nearly midnight when he left the Hall to go 
to the rescue of Hero. When he reached Briarmere he 
found it brilliantly lighted, as usual, and the gamblers were 
holding their nightly revel in its gilded saloons. 

""The gilded trappings of crime,” he said between his 
teeth. "" Oh, how completely Hortense imposed on me by 
her specious story that night in the tower. Oh! just 
Heaven, that one so beautiful should be so utterly de- 
praved!” 

He was now crossing the lawn, and had almost reached 
the door, when suddenly a dozen dark forms rose up from 
the very earth, so to speak, and confronted him. 

""Who are you?” whispered a stern voice, ""and what are 
you doing here?” 

Ned drew back. 

"" That is my business,” he answered haughtily. 

The man seemed to recognize our hero the moment he 
spoke. 


NED BACHMAN. 


12T 


he exclaimed, in manifest relief. It is Mr. 
Bachman. All right, men. Don’t harm him.” 

Why should they harm me?” 

Don’t you have an inkling of the truth, Mr. Bachman? 
Those men are under my command. I am a detective.” 

A detective?” 

Yes. I was in your uncle’s employ on the night of the 
attempted burglary.” 

Yes, yes. I remember you now.” 

“ Can’t you guess why we are here?” 

He waved his hand towards the house as he spoke. On 
the still night air the sounds of revelry within came out at 
that moment, clear and distinct. 

You are going to break up that devil’s haunt?” cried 
Xed. 

‘‘ Yes. Will there be any trouble in forcing an entrance, 
think you?” 

‘^1 know not. Come, let us move on at once. A dear 
friend of mine is detained a prisoner in that house. I am 
anxious to set her free as soon as possible.” 

No more was said. The whole party moved swiftly but 
noiselessly to the front entrance, which, fortunately, did 
''not prove to be fastened. They entered the hall, as yet 
unheard and unseen. Here a succession of shrill screams 
wers heard coming from the upper portion of the house. 

‘^It is Hero’s voice!” cried Ned, and bounded for the 
stairs. 

His feet flew up them in great bounds. He reached the 
upper hall, and there, in the dim light, saw two figures 
locked in a desperate struggle. He wrenched them 
violently apart, and then looked from one to the other. As 
he had expected the moment he saw the figures, he stood in 
the presence of Hero Dalton and Hortense De Noir. 

Our patient reader knows that our heroine had reached 


128 


NED BACmiAN 


the lower hall in her attem^^t to escape from Hortense’s 
father, and there had encountered Hortense herself, who 
had sought to detain her. 

Her heart gave a great throb of joy as she recognized her 
deliverer. 

^^Oh, Xed,'NedP she cried, ^^you have come to save me 
at last;’^ and half fainting with happiness, her head sunk 
upon his bosom. 

Meanwhile Hortense had recovered from her shock at 
Node’s sudden appearance. 

“ Release that woman, Ned,^^ she now said between her 
firm white teeth. Remember that you are bound to me 
— that I am your promised wife.” 

^^The compact is dissolved by your own treachery,” the 
young man returned sternly. ‘‘1 know you, siren, for 
what you are. You played a deep game, but you have lost. 
The pretty lies you told me that night we were locked into 
the tower were told in vain. Your concern for your repu- 
tation was wholly put on, since you had no reputation to 
lose.” 

A confusion below made itself suddenly and alarmingly 
audible. One or two pistol-shots were discharged; loud 
oaths could be heard, and the noise of scuffling. 

^^What does all that noise mean?” cried Hortense, in a 
voice that was hoarse with alarm. 

‘^It means,” calmly replied Ned, ^^that the police have 
made a descent on this den of iniquity and will tear it out 
root and branch.” 

^ Good God ! The police?” 

She stared at him an instant as if nearly frantic with 
fear. Then she seemed to rally her powers of action, for 
she darted swiftly across the hall and disappeared from 
sight before Ned, had he been so disposed, could have made 
any movement to detain her. Ned pressed Hero more and 
more closely to his side. 


NED BACHMAN 


129 


Let us leave this house at once/’^ he whispered. ^^This 
is no place for you. I think we can escape now in safety.^^ 
They hurried down the staircase and out of doors. Once 
under the far-off twinkling stars of night, our hero paused 
to ask his companion a single question. The question and 
the answer he received we shall leave our readers to deter- 
mine for themselves, as it comes not within the province 
of this story to treat of such very private and delicate mat- 
ters. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE KECKOHIHG. 

Wheh Ned reached the Hall, with Hero leaning on his 
arm, he found the servants searching everywhere for him. 
Captain Lavern was dying and had expressed a wish to 
see him. Ned hurried directly to his chamber. He found 
the dying man greatly changed; his face was livid, with the 
dew of death upon his brow; he lay with set teeth, staring 
straight before him at George Bachman with the fixed, aw- 
ful stare of baffled and vengeful hate. He made a slight 
movement when our hero entered the apartment. 

I^m going, after all,” he gasped feebly. IVe hated 
you, George Bachman, with a bitter hatred. But for the 
sake of this young man I will make a confession before I 
die.” 

What have I done to merit your hatred?” asked Mr. 
Bachman. I never wronged you.” 

That is a lie,” hissed the dying wretch. 

^^It is the truth, Robert. When you fled from New Or- 


130 


NED BACHMAN. 


leans, years and years ago, a disgraced and dishonored man, 
I would gladly have acted a brother's part towards you. 
But I had means of knowing that you plunged into ex- 
cesses and crimes without number. That hardened my 
heart against you.'^ 

A queer spasmodic contraction convulsed Captain Lav- 
ern^s features for a moment. 

^^Kobert Bachman never committed but the one crime 
of forging the name of his friend, he answered deliberately. 

How can you say that?^^ 

Because he died within three weeks of the time when 
his feet first touched the soil of France. 

Died cried N’ed, springing forward excitedly. Died 
so very many years ago? Are you not Eobert Bachman? 
Are you not my father ?^^ 

Neither one nor the other.” 

George Bachman^’s lip curled. 

His mind is wandering,” he whispered to Ned. If 
he is not your father, how came he by his face and voice 
and eyes and every look?” 

The dying man overheard them. 

I am your half-brother; and was his,” he said. 

Impossible! My father never married but once.” 

‘^No.” 

And never had but two sons.” 

There you are mistaken; for I am his son — the child of 
shame. You, no doubt, never heard of me, but I had 
heard much of you. You were rich and honored; I was an 
outcast, nameless and homeless. When Eobert fled this 
country in disgrace, I followed him to France, I stood by 
his death-bed, and I received from his own hand the blood- 
stone ring I left for you that first night when I sought to 
rob the Hall. Circumstances prevented me from carrying 
my design fully into execution. I became connected with 


NED BACHMAN 


131 


the organization of thieves known as the Black Band, and 
was making money too fast to give them the go-by. But 
I hated you, George Bachman, and determined at last to 
make you suffer for occupying the place that should have 
been mine as well. I learned how fond you were of Ned, 
and determined you should suffer through him. I in- 
tended to make him as bad as myself; and if we had suc- 
ceeded in our attempt last night, we should have contrived 
to fix the whole suspicion of the robbery upon him.’^ 

Captain Lavern had not given this recital connectedly 
as we have put it down, but in a broken, disjointed man- 
ner, just as his failing strength would permit. Now he 
choked and gasped for breath. He strove to speak, but 
could not. A look of agony contorted his face; he feebly 
flung out both arms, and sank back upon the pillow dead. 

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS LATER. 

As the city clocks tolled the hour of midnight, Eugene 
Barton sat alone in a private room of his imposing mansion 
in Arlington Street, fast asleep in his chair. He had been 
ill for two or three days — the result of various dissipations 
into which he had been plunging with more than his usual 
license. The illness had prevented him from seeking Hero 
at Briarmere. In fact, he knew nothing of the events that 
had transpired at that gambling-den. The striking of the 
city clocks, or some other sound, perhaps, suddenly aroused 
him. The instant he made a movement, and before he 
could prevent anything of the sort, a gag was thrust be- 
tween his teeth and secured there. Nearly startled out of 
his wits by this unexpected indignity, he attempted to rise 
to his feet. He could not stir: he had been fastened to 
his chair. 

^^Ha, ha, ha!^^ laughed a mocking voice at his ear. 


132 


NED BACHMAN. 


The next instant Mansauel the dwarf confronted him — 
Mansauel, with such a look of triumph and malignant 
hatred in his face as made the doomed wretch shiver with 
horror. 

Are you surprised to find me here, Eugene Barton 
asked the dwarf. I don^t mind telling you how I pene- 
trated to your house, if you would like to know. Well, I 
began to prowl about the house as soon as it was dark. 
Luckily for me, the kitchen-maid forgot to fasten the base- 
ment windows. I took advantage of her carelessness, and 
here I am.” 

Barton could only scowl at his tormentor. 

Why did I come? That is soon told. I came to take 
your life. Do you see this knife?” and he drew one that 
had a long, keen, glittering blade from some inner pocket. 

Would you give half your fortune for life and liberty? 
Ha, ha! They could not be purchased for twice that sum. 
What is money in comparison with revenge? Nothing; less 
than nothing. 

‘^Do you wonder why I am so vindictive? Ah, it must 
be you have forgotten the blow you struck me. Look at 
the scar it made on my check; but the scar on my honor 
is ten times more deep. No man ever dared to lay his 
hand on me before. But you — ^you struck me as if I had 
been a dog; and I swore, down deep in my heart, that you 
should be made to suffer ten times the agony I had en- 
dured. 

^^Have I kept my oath? Let us see. That den at Bri- 
armere was broken up last night by the police. Hero 
Dalton is now at the Hall with Ned Bachman. It was I 
who told him where to find her. The man you hate will 
possess her in spite of all your efforts. 

As for you, I can do no less than take your dastardly 
life that will complete my revenge. Look well at the 
knife. Its edge is keen. See, I approach it to your bosom 


NED BACHMAN. 


133 


— that bosom where you hoped to pillow pretty Heroes head. 
Now no woman^s head will ever rest there again. When 
your servants come to seek you in the morning, they will 
find but a ghastly corpse.^’ 

With these last words on his lips, Mansauel raised his 
hand high in the air, and, grinning like a mocking devil, 
buried his knife with fatal force into the heart of his vic- 
tim. Then he softly glided from the room. 

Here we take leave of him. But the after-history of this 
wicked, vindictive man may yet be written. 

The police succeeded in making very few aiTests at Bri- 
armere, the majority of the gamblers making their escape, 
when they saw they were likely to be wanted, through sev- 
eral secret doors that had been provided for such an emer- 
gency. 

Monsieur de Xoir and Hortense fled with the rest. The 
latter had intended to seek Barton, when the first excite- 
ment was over, and compel him to support her handsomely. 
But she was baffled even in this last resort; the news soon 
reached even the obscure place in which she had hidden 
herself of his awful and mysterious death — a death that 
electrified the whole city at the time of its occurrence and 
baffled the most experienced detectives. If Ned Bachman 
had his own suspicion in regard to the matter, he wisely 
kept it to himself. 

Hortense had dearly loved the unfortunate libertine, Avith 
whom she had carried on a guilty liaison for such a length 
of time. For months she was inconsolable, and actually 
kept herself secluded from the world. A year healed the 
wound, however. She is now the reigning beauty and 
belle of the most hopelessly vile of all the vile Baden-Baden 
gambling-hells. The miserable past failed to teach her the 
lesson she so much needed. 

Of course Ned and Hero were married, and live at the 
Hall to cheer the declining years of George Bachman^ and 


184 


NED BACHMAN 


people the dear old rooms with bright and happy faces. 
Life is very bright to them now; and they deserve it. 

About a week after Captain Lavern^s death, a poor rag- 
ged little figure crept into the parlor at the Hall, and threw 
herself upon the floor at Heron’s feet. 

^^Dear lady,^^ said the voice of the girl Nancy, which was 
scarcely audible for her tears, tried to save you when 
you were in danger. Now will you take me and help me to 
lead a better life?"^ 

Hero lifted her up and kissed her fondly. 

^^Yhile I have a home, dear,^^ she said with deep emo- 
tion, ‘^you shall not want for one.'’^ 

And she never has. 


THE END. 


OLD MEMORIES. 


CHAPTER I. 



HAD spent some years in the colonies, doctoring 


diggei-s and the like rongh-and-ready folks. The 
novelty of the strange scenes and free-and-easy life had at 
last worn off, and I found myself sighing for the respec- 
tability of broadcloth and a settled position in my pro- 
fession. Aided somewhat by thrift, and more by a 
fortunate land speculation, I had money enough to sup- 
ply my wants for a few years to come ; so I returned to 
England, resolved to beat out a practice somewhere. 

Of coui-se the first person I went to see was John. He 
was my brother — my only brother — indeed, the one tie 
I had to England. We were a couple of orphans, but 
pretty sturdy ones withal, and well able to wrestle with 
the world. Fortunately, our father lived until his eldest 
son was of an age to carry on his snug country practice; 
so John still occupied the old red-brick house in the main 
street of the little town of Dalebury, the same brass plate 
on the door doing duty for him as for his father before 
him. 

I found old John — so his closest friends ever called 


136 


OLD MEMOKIES. 


him — little changed : rather graver in mien, perhaps, but 
with the same honest eyes and kindly smile, winning at 
once the confidence, and soon the love, of men and 
women. As we clasped hands and looked in each other’s 
faces, we knew that the years which had made men of us 
had only deepened our boyish love. 

It was pleasant, very pleasant, for a wanderer like my- 
self to find such a welcome awaiting him. It was good 
to sit once more in that cozy old room and talk with 
John late into the night, discussing all that had happened 
since last we sat there. I had many questions to ask. 
Dalebury is only a little town. Having been born and 
bred there, I knew all the inhabitants. I had not been 
abroad long enough to forget old friends, so I plied John 
with many inquiries as to the fate of one or another. 
After a while I asked : 

“ Who lives now in the old house at the corner — where 
the Tanners lived once ?” 

“ A widow lady and her daughter, named Dorvaux.” 

“ French, I suppose, from the name ?” 

“Ho, I believe not. Her late husband was French; 
but, so far as I have learned, Mrs. Dorvaux is an English- 
woman.” 

“Hew-comers! They must be quite an acquisition to 
Dalebury. Are they pleasant people 

“ I don’t know — at least, I only know the daughter. 
She is very beautiful,” added John, with something very 
much like a sigh. 

My quick ears caught the suspicious sound. Could I 
be on the eve of an interesring discovery ? 

“ Very beautiful, is she ? And what may her Christian 
name be ?” 

“ Fleurette — Fleurette,” replied John, repeating the 


OLD MEMORIES. 


137 


soft French name, and lingering upon it as though it 
were sweet to his lips, like wune. 

Then he changed the conversation, and far awaj we 
drifted from beautiful maidens and musical names, as I 
recounted some of my colonial exploits — how I had 
treated strange accidents, out-of-the-way disease, ghastly 
gunshot W'ounds; until our talk became purely profes- 
sional, and without cheerfulness or interest for the 
laity. 

I spent the next day in looking up old friends and 
neighbors. I had brought money back with me — not 
very much, it is true, but rumor had been kind enough 
to magnify the amount, so every one was glad to see me. 
Mind, I don’t say this cynically; I only mean that, 
leaving the nuisance of appeals to the pocket, for old 
sake’s sake, out of the question, all must feel greater 
pleasure at seeing a rolling-stone come back fairly coated 
with moss than scraped bare. So all my old friends 
made much of me, and I wondered why the w^orld in 
general should be accused of forgetfulness. 

Whilst I was at one house, another visitor entered, and 
I was introduced to Miss Dorvaux. As I heard her name, 
the recollection of my grave brother’s midnight sigh 
made me look at her intently and curiously ; more so, 
I fear, than politeness allowed. 

Now you must decide for yourself as to whether Fleu- 
rette Dorvaux was beautiful. When I say, candidly, that 
only one person in the world admires her more than I do, 
that only one person is her more devpted slave than I am, 
I confess myself a partial witness, whose testimony car- 
ries little weight. But to my eyes, that day, Fleurette 
appeared as follows : About twenty years of age: scarcely 
middle height, but with a dainty, rounded figure ; bru- 


138 


OLD MEMORIES. 


Tiette, with dark-brown eyes, long black lashes, making 
those eyes look darker — such black eyebrows and such 
black hair ! nose, mouth, and chin as perfect as could be : 
such a bright, bonny, lively little woman ! 'Not — 1 
decided at first — the wife for a hard-working, sober 
doctor like John Penn. 

Stay — is the girl so bright, so lively, after all? On 
her entry she had greeted my friends with a gay laugh 
and merry words, emphasized with vivacious little 
French gestures, and for a few minutes she was all life 
and sunshine. She seemed interested when she heard 
my name, and with easy grace began talking to me 
thoughtfully and sensibly. As she talked, something in 
her manner told me that life was not all sweetness to her. 
At times her bright brown eyes looked even grave and 
serious, and the smile, even on her lips as she spoke, 
softened to a pensive one. The first impression she 
made on me, the idea that she was only a brilliant little 
butterfly thing, left me, and I hastened to atone mentally 
for the wrong I had done her by saying to myself, “ I 
am for once mistaken ; the girl has plenty of sense, and, 
likely enough, will and purpose in that pretty head of 
hers.” However, grave or gay, wise or foolish, I saw in 
Fleurette Dorvaux a beautiful girl, and pictured woe for 
many a youth in Dalebury. 

After John had seen the last of his patients that night, 
he joined me in the old room, and with a bottle of good 
wine between us I said : 

“ I saw your beautiful Miss Dorvaux to-day.” 

John started as he lieard her name, but made no reply; 
so I determined to learn all that was to be learned. 

It was a very easy task. Old John had never yet been 
able to keep a secret from me — it may be he never meant 


OLD MEMORIES. 


139 


to keep this. Anyway, in a short time I heard the whole 
history of his love. 

Fleurette and her mother came to Dalebury some 
twelve months ago, and John, wliose heart had been 
proof against all local charms, had at once surrendered. 
There was something in the girl so different from all 
others. Her beauty, her gracefulness, even her pretty 
little foreign ways, had taken him by storm ; and, so f al- 
as I can judge from the symptoms he described, his case 
was very soon as desperate as that of a boy of twenty. 
It may be the very strength of the constitution which 
had so long defied love made the fever rage more fiercely. 
Yet, severe as the attack was, the cure seemed easy 
enough. He had a comfortable home and a good income 
to be shared ; so he set to work seriously to win Fleu- 
rette’s love. All seemed going on as well as could be 
wished; the girl appeared happy in his society, and, if 
she showed him no tangible marks of preference, pleased 
and fiattered by his attentions. Yet at last,' when he 
asked her to be his wife, she refused him — sweetly and 
sadly, it is true, but nevertheless firmly refused him. 

How, although I, being four years younger, and, more- 
over, his brother, choose to laugh at John — call him 
grave, sober, and old — you must understand this is all in 
jest and by way of good-fellowship, and that John Penn 
was a man whom any girl should have been proud of 
winning. He was no hero, or genius, or anything of 
that sort; but then most of us move about ordinary men 
and women, and only know heroes, heroines, and gen- 
iuses, as we know princes and dukes — by name. He was 
a clever, hard-working doctor, with a good provincial 
practice. Modesty deters me from saying much about 
his personal appearance, as the world sees a strong like- 


140 


OLD MEMORIES. 


ness between ns. I will only say he was tall and well- 
built, and carried in his face a certain look of power, 
wdiich right-minded women like to see with men who 
seek their love. His age was something over thirty. 
Our family was good and our name unsullied. What 
could have induced Fleurette Dorvaux to reject him? 
Beautiful she might be ; but the times are mercenary, 
and beautiful girls don’t win the love of a man like John 
every day in the week. 

Although John told me all about it in a cynical sort of 
way — a way which sat upon him as badly as another man’s 
coat might have done, he could not conceal from me how 
deeply wounded he was — how disappointed — or how in- 
tense had been his love for the girl. As he finished his 
recital I grasped his hand, saying, with the assurance of 
one who has seen much life : 

“ Hard work is the best antidote, and you seem to have 
plenty of that — you will forget all about it in time, old 
fellow.” 

“ I don’t think I shall. I feel like a man who, having 
been kept in twilight all his life, is shown the sun for an 
hour, and then again put back into twilight. He will 
forget the sun no more than I shall forget Fleurette.” 

“ She seemed to me such a sweet ffirl,” I said doubt- 
fully. 

“She is perfect,” said John. “You have seen nothing 
of her as yet. Wait until you can fathom the depths of 
thought and feeling under that bright exterior. Then 
you will say I w^as not wrong in loving her as I did — as 
I do even now.” 

“ Has any one else w^on her? Was that the reason she 
refused you ?” 

“Ho one. She loves me, and me only,” 


OLD MEMORIES. 


141 


“ What do you mean I asked, greatly surprised. 

“ That evening when she told me firmly and decisively 
she would never marry me — never could marry me — 
even whilst I said mad, cruel words to her, I saw love in 
her tearful eyes. And when, forgetting all, I held her 
and kissed her once, and once only, I felt her lips linger 
on mine. Then she broke away and fled ; but I know 
such a woman as Fleurette Dorvaux would not suffer a 
man’s kiss unless she loved him. She wrote me a few 
lines the next day, telling me it could not be, begging me 
not even to ask her why. Since then she shuns me, and 
all is at an end ; so please talk no more about it.” 

Here was a nice complication ! Here was a knot to 
untie ! John refused by a girl who loved him ! I own 
I was glad to hear him assert his belief in her love, as 
somehow it pained m^ to think of Fleurette sporting 
with a man’s heart. Although, as I told you, 1 deter- 
mined at first that she was not the right wife for John, I 
had soon recanted, and thought now how wonderfully 
she would light up the old house, and how happy John 
would be with such a bright little woman to greet him 
when he returned of an evening weary and fagged. 

So I resolved to see all I could of Fleurette ; to study 
her, and if I found her as good as John said she was, to 
use my skill in untying the knot and soothing 1;he strands 
of their lives. I never doubted my ability to arrange the 
matter. I had always been an able family diplomatist. 
Had I not, at Hew Durham, brought Koaring Tom Mayne 
back to his faithful but deserted wife, and seen them be- 
gin life together again with courage and contentment? 
Had I not made those two old friends and partners — who 
for some time had been prowling about with revolvers in 
their pockets, hoping to get a snap shot at each other — 


149 


OLD MEMORIES. 


shake hands, and eventuallj left them working a new 
claim together ? Had I not stopped pretty Polly Smith 
from running away with that scamp Dick Long, who had 
two or three wives already somewhere up country. In 
fact, so successful had I been in arranging other people’s 
affairs, that it seemed, to an experienced hand like my- 
self, an easy matter to place John and Fleurette on a pro- 
per footing. 

Dalebury is a very little town. Its enemies even call 
it a village ; but, boasting as it does of a mayor and a 
corporation, it can afford to treat their sneers with con- 
tempt. Different people may hold different opinions as 
to whether life is pleasanter in large cities or small towns ; 
but, at any rate, one advantage offered by a small place 
like Dalebury is, that everybody knows everything about 
every one else. You cannot hide a farthing rushlight 
under a bushel. So if anybody has anything to keep 
secret, don’t let him pitch his tent in Dalebury. 

With the universal knowledge of one’s neighbor’s 
affairs pervading the Dalebury atmosphere, it is not 
strange that the first person I chose to ask hastened to 
give -me all the information respecting the Dorvaux that 
Dalebury had as yet been able to acquire. Mrs. Dorvaux 
was a widow ; not lich, but, it was supposed, fairly well 
off : she was a great invalid, and rarely or ever went 
out. Appearing to dislike society, she received no one, 
and scarcely any one knew her. Those with whom she 
had been brought in contact stated she was a quiet, lady- 
like woman, who spoke very little. It was not known 
whence they had come — probably France ; but this was 
only conjecture — and the absence of certainty on this 
point rather distressed Dalebury. They kept only one 
servant, an old woman, who had been with them many 


OLD MEMORIES. 


US 

years. Fleurette had made many friends, and, it seemed, 
few, it unj, enemies. She did not go out much, being 
devoted to her invalid mother; but every one was glad of 
lier company when she chose to give it. Altogether, 
Dalebury had nothing to say against the new-comers — a 
fact speaking volumes in their favor. 

After this, as we were such near neighbors, I used fre- 
quently to encounter Fleurette, and would often join her 
and walk with her. Whether she knew that John’s 
secret was mine I could not say, but she met my friendly 
advances half-way. The more I saw of her, the more I 
wondered how I could have thought her so lively and 
gay. Whatever she might seem to others, there was, to 
me at least, a vein of thoughtful sadness in the girl’s 
character — at times I fancied it even approached to 
despondency ; and I felt almost angry with her, know- 
ing that a turn of her finger would bring one of the best 
fellows in England to her feet. We met old John once 
or twice as we were walking together. Fleurette cast 
down her long lashes and simply bowed. 

Of course you know my brother well ?” I said. 

I have often met him,” answered Fleurette calmly. 

“And you like him, I hope?” 

“I like Dr. Penn very much,” she replied simply. 

“ He is the best fellow and the best brother in the 
world,” I said ; and then I told Fleurette what we had 
been toeach other as boys: how John had been as careful 
of me as the mother who was dead might have been — 
how we loved each other now; and, as I spoke, I saw. a 
blush on her clear brown cheek, and although she said 
nothing her eyes wdien they next met mine were wistful 
and kind. 

“ I shall soon make it all right,” I thought, as I noted 


144 


OLD MEMORIES. 


her look and resolved to argue the matter on the first fit- 
ting occasion. 

There is a little river — a tributary to a larger one — 
running through Dalebury. Being too shallow for navi- 
gation, it is not of much use except as a water-supply and 
for angling. Still, one who knows it can get a boat with 
a light draught a long way up. One afternoon, thinking 
a little exercise would do me good, I procured such a 
boat, and started to row up as far as I could, and drift 
leisurely back with the current. For some distance on 
one side of the stream are rich, fertile meadows ; and the 
path along the bank, through these meadows, is a favor- 
ite walk with the Dalebury folk. 

As I paddled my boat up the stream, guiding its 
course by the old landmarks — which came fresh to my 
memory as though I were a boy yet — and startling the 
water-rats, descendants of those among whom John and 
I made such havoc years ago,T saw in front of me on the 
river bank the dainty little figure of Fleurette. As I 
looked at her over my shoulder, I could see she was 
walking slowly, with her head bent down, as one in 
thought. ‘‘ Thinking of John and her own folly, per- 
haps,” I said. So preoccupied was she, that the sound of 
my oars did not attract her attention until I was close to 
her. Then, seeing who it was, she waited while I rowed 
to the bank on which she stood. 

“ Good afternoon. Miss Dorvaux,” I said ; ‘‘ if you will 
step into my boat, I will row you as far as the shallows 
will let me, and then back home.” 

Fleurette hesitated. 

“Thank you, Mr. Penn; I think I prefer strolling 
along the river bank.” 

“ In that case I shall tie my boat to this willow-stump, 


OLD MEMORIES. 


145 


and, with your permission, walk with you. But you had 
far better come with me ; the boat is quite safe, and I 
have not forgotten my cunning.” 

‘'I am not afraid of that,” said the girl, stepping 
lightly into the stern of the boat; while 1 thought. 

Here is the chance to reason and expostulate,” and in 
my conceit felt certain that my arguments would let me 
bring Fleurette back ready to accept her fate. Well, 
pride goeth before a fall !” 

Yet for a while I said nothing to my companion. I 
did not even look at her. Poor little Fleurette ! I saw, 
as soon as we met, that tears were on those dark lashes. 
The smile on her lip belied them, but the tears were 
there, nevertheless. So I waited for them to disappear 
before I talked to her, although I half suspected my 
words might bring others to replace the vanishing drops. 

Presently Fleurette cried, in a voice of pleasure : 

“ There are some water-lilies ! Can we get them ?” 

With some trouble I got the boat near them, and 
Fleurette gathered three or four. As she sat opening the 
wdiite cups and spreading out the starry blooms, I said : 

‘‘ Why are you always so sad. Miss Dorvaux ?” 

“Am I sad? Very few people in Dalebury give me 
credit for that, I fancy.” 

“ My eyes look deeper down than the Dalebury eyes. 
To me you are always sad. Why is it ? You have youth, 
beauty, and, if you wished it, could have love. Why is 
it?” 

Fleurette turned her eyes to mine. 

“ Do you think these pale lilies have any hidden 
troubles, Mr. Penn ?” 

“Hone, I should say. They toil not, neither do they 
spin, you know.” 


146 


OLD MEMORIES. 


“ The people who toil and spin are not the only ones 
who are unhappy in the world,” said Flenrette softly. 

“Nor are the water-lilies the only flowers that shut up 
their hearts, and only open them after great persuasion.” 

She placed one of the white stars in her dark hair, and 
said : 

“We are getting quite poetical this aftenioon. Was 
that a kingfisher flew by ?” 

Of course it was no more a kingfisher than it was an 
ostrich ; and as Flenrette was now my prisoner in mid- 
stream, I was not going to let her escape or evade my 
questions for any bird that flew. 

I steadied the boat with an occasional dip of the oars, 
and, looking her full in the face, asked : 

“ Flenrette, why do you treat John so strangely ?” 

Her eyes dropped. 

“ I scarcely understand you,” she said. 

“You understand fully. Why did you refuse to marry 
him ?” 

“ I might plead a woman’s privilege. If we cannot 
choose, we can at least decline to be the choice of any 
particular man.” 

“ You might plead it if you did not love him ; but you 
will not plead it, Flenrette. It is because I know you 
love him that I ask you for an answer to my question.” 

Her fingers toyed nervously with her lilies, but she 
said nothing. 

“ If I thought you did not care for him — if you can 
tell me so — my question is answered, and I am satisfied. 
Answer me, Flenrette ?” 

She raised her head, and I saw her brave brown eyes 
shining through her tears. 

“ The proudest day in my life was when John Penn 


OLD MEMORIES. 


147 


asked me to be his wife — tlie happiest day would be the 
day I married liim, and that will be — never.” 

“ Never, Fleurette ?” 

“ Never — never — never ! Unless — ” 

Here the girl gave a sort of shudder, and covered her 
eyes with her hands. 

“ Tell me wliat obstacle there can be,” I said gently. 

“ I cannot. I will not. If I could not tell John, why 
should I tell 3"ou ?” 

“Your mother is a great invalid, is she not?” I asked, 
after a pause. 

“ Yes,” replied Fleurette. 

“Is it possible you fear that John would wish you to 
leave her? Is that the reason, Fleurette?” 

“I will tell you nothing,” she said, firmly. “Put me 
ashore, please.” 

“Yery well. Miss Fleurette,” I said, resting on my 
oars. “ Then I give you fair warning, I shall never cease 
until I find out everything,” 

The girPs face flushed with anger. 

“What right have you,” she cried, “to attempt to pi-y 
into my private life? I hate you! Put me ashore at 
once.” 

Fleurette not only had a will, but a temper of her 
own. 

“ I will not,” I said, “ until you give me some message 
I can take to John — some word that will let him live on 
hope, at least.” 

“Will you put me ashore?” said Fleurette, stamping 
her foot. 

My only answer was a stroke of the oars, which sent 
the boat some yards further up the stream. 

“Then I shall go myself,” said Fleurette; and before 


148 


OLD MEMORIES. 


I could comprehend her meaning, she simply slipped 
overboard, and in a couple of seconds was standing on 
the river-l)ank, with the water dripping from her petti- 
coats. She darted across the meadow without even 
looking back, and left me feeling supremely ridiculous. 
The river was scarcely knee-deep at this point, so she ran 
no risk of drowning, and only suffered the inconvenience 
of wet shoes and skirts ; but I could not divest myself of 
the idea that had there been six feet of water there, the 
beautiful little vixen would have gone overboard just the 
same. I had been completely outwitted by a girl of 
twenty — but then no one could have imagined that a 
young lady of the present day, attired in an elegant walk- 
ing-dress, would jump out of a boat to avoid his society, 
however angry she might be. Yet I felt very foolish as 
I drifted back to Dalebury, and doubted much if I had 
done John’s cause any good. 

“After all,” I said, “perhaps my boasted tact and 
diplomacy only pass muster in the free-and-easy commu- 
nity of New Durham, and I shall be a failure in England. 
I had better take the first steamer and go back again.” 

I met Fleurette in the road the next morning. Her 
face wore a demure smile. 

“ You treated me shamefully,” I said. 

“I should be the one to complain, I think. The idea 
of attempting to keep me against my will ! My boots 
were spoiled ; I was made most uncomfortable, and had 
to explain my draggled appearance as best I could.” 

“ But fancy my horror when you stepped out of the 
boat, and picture what a fool I have felt ever since! 
Nevertheless, I forgive you,” I said magnanimously. 

“ And I forgive you,” said Fleurette, with deep mean- 
ing in her voice. 


OLD MEMORIES. 


149 


So we shook hands, and renewed our compact of 
friendship. 

I had now been at Dalebury nearly a month, and pur- 
posed, while I had time to spare, to make a little trip to 
the Continent. I intended to stay there two months, 
then return and begin work. A few days before I left 
Danbury, I heard that some one was ill at the house at 
the corner; and, with the remembrance of Fleurette’s 
wet shoes and stockings before me, I was very uneasy. 
However, we soon ascertained that Mrs. Dorvaux was 
the sufferer, and that Dr. Bush, from the other end of 
town, had been called in. I knew this was very annoy- 
ing to John, as Dr. Bush and he were not the best of 
friends. In his professional capacity John would, I be- 
lieve, have attended Fleurette herself without show of 
emotion; so why not Fleurette’s mother? Nothing, of 
course, could be said, as we live in a free country, and 
people may employ what doctor they choose. 

Evidently Mrs. Dorvaux’s illness was not of long dura- 
tion, for I soon saw Fleurette about again. She looked 
pale and worn, probably from watching and nursing her 
mother. My holiday at Dalebury had now run down to 
its last dregs, so when we met it was to say good-by. 

“ Can it never be, Fleurette ?” I whispered, as oui 
hands clasped before parting. 

“ Never,’’ she replied — “ never. Gdod-by — Good-by.” 

Poor old John ! poor little Fleurette ! What mystery 
was it that stayed the happiness of these two ? 

I returned home from my travels, tired of idleness. 
Having heard of an opening that promised well, I ran 
down to Dalebury to consult my brotlier. John and I 
were very bad correspondents, so I had no news of the 


150 


OLD MEMORIES. 


little town since I sojourned there. As I passed the 
house at the corner I saw it was void. 

They have left,’’ said John, as I eagerly asked the 
reason. 

‘‘ Left ! Where have they gone to ?” 

“No one knows,” said John, sadly. “Shortly after 
you went abroad, common rumor said they were thinking 
of quitting ; and last month they did go.” 

“ Did she leave no word — no message for you ?” 

“ Only this,” replied John, opening a drawer in front 
of him, in which he kept a variety of cheerful-looking 
instruments. “I found this one morning on the seat of 
my carriage. I suppose she threw it in.” 

A single flower, the stem passed through a piece of 
paper with the word “Adieu” pencilled on it. 

Sorry as I was to hear the news, I could scarcely help 
smiling as Jolm replaced the flower in the drawer. It 
seemed almost bathos, that little rose, tossed into a doc- 
tor’s carriage, and now lying amongst old lancets, forceps, 
and other surgical instruments. 

The weeks, the months, even the years, passed by, and 
we heard nothing of Fleurette. The flower, doubtless 
still lying in the drawer, was ail that was left of old 
John’s little romance. 


CHAPTEK II. 

T hree years soon went by. I was still in England. 

I had purchased a share in a London practice, and 
although I found much drudgery in my work, it was a 
paying practice, and one which would eventually be en- 


OLD MEMORIES. 


151 


tirely mine, as my partner, who was growing old and 
rich, talked of retiring. 

Once or twice in every year I had been down to Dale- 
bury. All was the same there. John was still unmar- 
ried ; and if he said nothing about her, I knew he had 
not forgotten the dainty little girl who had rejected his 
love. Yet not a word had Fleurette sent him. She 
might be dead or married for all we knew. I used often 
to wonder whether I should ever meet her again — whether 
I should ever learn her secret trouble ; for I felt that 
Fleurette’s sadness was not so much from having to give 
up the hope of being John’s wife, as from the cause that 
compelled her to take that step. I could only hope, and 
say a word now and then to encourage John to hope also. 

One day, while snatching a hasty lunch, I was informed 
that I was wanted at once. I found a respectable servant 
waiting for me. 

“ Please to come to my mistress at once, sir,” she said. 
She is taken very ill, all of a sudden.” 

“ Where does she live ?” I asked. The servant named 
a street within a short distance, and in a few minutes I 
was at the house. 

It was in that description of street which we term re- 
spectable — dull, quiet, and respectable — small houses on 
each side, letting at low rents; rents most likely de- 
creasing as an old tenant left and a new tenant came in ; 
the sort of place where the falling gentleman and the 
rising clerk or workman meet in their downward and 
upward course. On our way I asked the servant what 
had happened to her mistress. 

‘‘ I found her sitting in her chair, sir, looking so wild 
and talking such gibberish, that I came for you as fast 
as I could.” 


152 


OLD MEMORIES. 


She led the way to a sitting-room. ‘‘ Mistress was in 
there when I left ; will you please go in, sir 

I went in, but no mistress was visible. I saw, with a 
quick glance, that the room was prettily furnished — many 
little feminine knick-knacks lying about. Hanging to 
an easel near the window were two dead birds, a goldfinch 
and bullfinch, and on the easel stood a China plate, 
painted with a faithful representation of the models. 

Decayed gentlefolks,” I said to myself, as the ser- 
vant’s voice, calling me from above, put an end to all fur- 
ther speculations. There was evident alarm in the girl’s 
accents ; so I hastened up-stairs, and just inside the door 
of a bedroom saw a woman lying on the floor either dead 
or insensible. 

With the servant’s assistance I lifted her up and placed 
her on the bed ; then proceeded to ascertain what was 
the matter. It needed, alas ! very little professional skill 
to determine the primary cause of her illness. 

I had before me one of those sad cases, unfortunately 
becoming more and more common, of drunkenness in one 
whose education and station in life should have raised 
her far above such a vice. There was no doubt about it. 
Even if the odor of the woman’s breath had not told me 
the truth, I had seen too many drunken women in my 
time to be deceived. I could do little to relieve her, then ; 
and after assuring the frightened servant that her mis- 
tress was in no danger, I placed her comfortably on the 
bed, and gave the girl instructions to loosen her clothes. 
As she did so, I looked with pity and some curiosky on 
the unhappy woman. 

She was a lady, evidently — so far as tile common sense 
of the word reaches — delicately nurtured and well dressed. 
Her features were pleasing, regular, and refined — yet, in 


OLD MEMORIES. 


153 


spite of all this, she lay here a victim to the same vice 
that urges the brutal collier to pound his wife to death, 
and causes the starving charwoman to overlie her wretched 
baby. 

I did not like to expose her weakness to her own ser- 
vant, so promised to send round some medicine, and to 
look in again in the evening. 

As I stood with the door half open, and turned to give 
the servant some last instructions, a girl passed by me 
hastily, not even seeming aware of my presence. Before 
I had time to speak, or even to look at her, she had 
thrown herself on her knees beside the bed, and was 
weeping bitterly over the unfortunate woman. Her face 
as she knelt was hidden from me, but I could see her hair 
was black, and something in the turn of her graceful 
figure struck me as being familiar. 

“ Oh, my poor mamma ! my poor mamma !” she sobbed 
out. “ What shall I do ? — again, again ! Oh, poor mam- 
ma !” 

I drew near and said, ‘‘ You need not be alarmed at 
your mother’s illness, she will soon recover.” 

The girl rose on hearing my voice. She turned round 
quickly and looked at me. Lo and behold, she was our 
long-lost Fleurette ! 

Fleurette — and, as I pould see, even through her sor- 
row, as beautiful as ever ! I advanced with outstretched 
liands ; but the girl drew herself up and waved me aside 
with the dignity of a diminutive empress. 

“ And so, as you threatened, you have intruded upon 
my privacy. Go — I will never speak to you again.” 

“ Miss Dorvaux,” I answered, almost as angry as herself, 
“ Your servant will tell you how I happen to be here, 
and you will see it is from no wish to intrude. I am 


/ 


154 


OLD MEMORIES. 


going now, but shall return to see my patient this even- 
ing, when I hope, for the sake of old days, you will give 
me a few minutes’ conversation.” 

Then, as Fleurette returned weeping to her mother, I 
departed, revolving many things in my mind, as the 
writers say. 

I had found Fleurette at last. Actually living within 
a stone’s-throw of my door ! Perhaps she had lived there 
ever since she left Dalebury. Now having found 
her, what was I to do with her ? I guessed that I had 
also fathomed her mystery. You see, it was only a com- 
monplace, vulgar little mystery, after all — a mother’s 
drunkenness the sum-total of it. Yet, when I thought 
of the girl giving up her love and bright prospects for 
the sake of keeping her erring mother’s vice a secret : 
most likely never complaining of the sacrifice : wearing 
to the outer woi-ld a bright face that hid from nearly 
every one the sorrow of her heai't, it seemed to me that 
our little Fleurette was something very near a heroine, 
after all. 

My first idea was to telegraph to John and tell him 
where to find her : but upon consideration I thought it 
better to wait until after our interview in the even- 
ing. 

I found Fleurette alone. She was very pale, very 
sad, very subdued — very difiefent, indeed, from the 
angry young woman who had walked into the river three 
years ago, or the unjust tyrant who had ordered me from 
her presence that afternoon. My first inquiry was after 
her mother. Poor Fleurette colored as she told me that 
lady was now almost convalescent, and she did not think 
I need trouble to see her again. Then she held out her 
hand, and as I took it said; 


OLD MEMORIES. 


155 


“ Please forgive me for my unjust words to-day ; but 
I was so vexed, I scarcely knew what I said.’’ 

“We are always forgiving each other, Fleurette. 
Brothers unto seventy times seven — why not sisters also?” 

Fleurette smiled sadly and hopelessly. 

“ Tell me, Fleurette,” I said, gently, as I sat down 
beside her, “ was this the cause ?” 

She nodded her pretty head. 

“ Tell me all about it. IIow long has it been going 
on ? I can be as secret as you.” 

And then Fleurette told me. I will not give her 
words. They were too loving, too lenient, and ever 
framing affectionate excuses. It was a piteous little tale, 
even as she told it — a tale of hope growing stronger 
every day, till in one hour it was crushed, as a flower is 
crushed under-foot. Then came penitence, contrition, 
shame, and the ever-recurring vows of amendment. 
And with them hope sprung afresh and bloomed for a 
while — only to be cut down as ruthlessly as before. 
And so on for years, ever the same weary round, and, 
although she told me not, ever the same loving care, the 
same jealous resolve to shield her mother’s sins from the 
vulgar gaze. It was a hard burden for a girl to bear. 
For this she gave up the hope of being John’s wife. 
She would not leave her mother to perish, and would 
not injure John, as she shrewdly feared might be the 
case if she subjected him to the scandal of having a 
mother-in-law of Mrs. Dorvaux’s disposition living with 
him. Knowing as I know the delicate susceptibilities of 
patients in a place like Dalebury, in my heart I thought 
that Fleurette was right. 

“ And why did you leave Dalebury ?” I asked when 
fihe had finished her recital. 


156 


OLD MEMORIES. 


‘‘ Mamma was — ill — there ; so ill, I was obliged to 
send for a doctor — and I feared people might learn the 
cause.’’ 

So that was why Dr. Bush had been called in instead 
of John. 

“ Then we came to London,” she continued. ‘‘ Lon- 
don is so large, I thought we might hide ourselves here.” 

“ How often do these — these attacks show them- 
selves ?” I asked. 

‘‘Sometimes not for months; sometimes twice a 
month. Oh, do you think she can ever be cured ? She 
has been so good, so good for such a long time ! If I 
had not gone out to-day, this might never have hap- 
pened. Our poor old servant died some months ago, 
and I could not trust the new one, or she might have 
prevented it. Do you think she can be cured ?” 

I shook my head. I knew too well that when a wom- 
an of Mrs. Dorvaux’s age has these periodical, irresist- 
ible cravings after stimulants, the case is well-nigh hope- 
less. Missionaries, clergymen, and philanthropists tell 
us pleasing and comforting tales of marvellous reforma- 
tions, but medical men know the sad truth. 

I was so indignant at the sacrifice of a young girl’s 
life, that, had I spoken my true thoughts, I should have 
said, “ Leave the brandy-bottle always full, always near 
at hand, so that — ” Well, I won’t be too hard on Fleu- 
rette’s mother. She must have had some good in her, 
for the girl to have loved her so. 

We had, as yet, said nothing about John. That was 
to come. 

“Fleurette, I shall wia’te to John to-night. What 
shall I tell him f ’ 

Her black eyelashes were now only visible. 


OLD MEMORIES. 


157 


‘‘ Wliat can you tell him ? You promised to guard 
my secret.” 

“ I shall, at least, tell him I have found you, and then 
he must take his own course.” 

‘K)h, don’t let him come here,” pleaded the girl. I 
could not bear to see him ; and perhaps,” she added, 
with a faltering voice, “he doesn’t care to hear anything 
about me now.” 

Ah, Fleurette, Fleurette! after all, on some points 
you are only a weak woman. 

The next day I begged leave of absence from my part- 
ner and patients, and ran down to Dalebury to tell John 
the news. 

Yet I had little enough to tell him. I was in honor 
bound to guard the girl’s secret ; so all I could say was, 
I had found her again, that she was as bewitching as 
ever, and, I believed, loved him still. I could add that 
now I knew the reason why she could not come to him, 
and I was compelled to own it was a weighty one — an 
obstacle which I could give no hope would be removed 
for many years. He must be content with that : it was 
all the news, all the hope, I had to give him. 

“Very well,” said John, with a sigh, “I must wait. 
All things come to the man who waits ; so perhaps Fleu- 
rette will come to me at last.” 

Now that I had found Fleurette, you may be sure I 
was not going to lose sight of her again. I was very 
grieved to learn that her mother’s circumstances were 
not so good as of old. Some rascal who possessed the 
widow’s confidence had decamped with a large sum of 
money. Our Fleurette eked out their now scanty in- 
come by painting on china, and very cleverly the girl 
copied the birds and fiowers on the white plates. She 


158 


OLD MEMORIES. 


never complained, but to me it was more than vexatious 
to think that there was a good home waiting for her if 
her mother’s faults would allow her to accept it. Now 
and again I would give John tidings of her. lie never 
sought her, being far too proud to come to her until she 
sent for him ; and as in the course of the next twelve 
months the unhappy Mrs. Dorvaux experienced three or 
four relapses, I could see little chance of John ever get- 
ting the message for which he waited. I begged Fleu- 
rette to persuade her motlier to enter a home for inebri- 
ates, but the girl would not even broach the subject to 
her; so here was youth drifting away from John and 
Fleurette— kept apart for the sake of a wretched woman, 
and I was powerless to mend matters. 

****** 

But did John and Fleurette ever marry? You see, 
this is not a romance, only a little tale of real life, and, as 
such, the only way out of the deadlock was a sad and 
prosaic one — a way for which poor Fleurette could not 
even wish. Reformation, I say, as a medical man, was 
out of the question. 

I hope Fleurette will not read these pages, in which I 
am compelled to express my true feelings by saying that, 
a short time after a year had expired, Mrs. Dorvaux 
was obliging enough to die. I say ‘‘ obliging” advisedly, 
for sad though it be to think so, her death made three 
people happy ; indeed, as her life was so miserable to 
her, it may be I should have said four. Fleurette 
mourned her sincerely : all her faults were buried in her 
grave, and left to be forgotten. Two months after her 
death I wrote to John, bade him come to town, and, 
without even warning Fleurette, sent him to see her. 
Then he found that all things do indeed come to the 


OLD MEMORIES. 


If)0 

man who can wait — even the love that seemed so hope- 
less and far away. 

I don’t think John ever knew, or, unless he reads it 
here, ever will know, the true i-easoii why Fleiirette re- 
fused him and shunned him for so long. lie knows, 
from what I told him, that it was a noble, self-sacrificing, 
and womanly motive led her to reject his love, and is 
content with knowing this. He feels the subject must 
be ever painful to his bright little wife, and has never 
caused her pretty eyes to grow dim by asking for an 
explanation. There is no sadness now with Fleurette. 
She lights up that old red-brick house ; she is the life 
of Dalebury, and moreover the one woman against whom 
Dalebury says little or nothing. 

The last time I was down there I rowed Fleurette a 
long way up the shallow stream. Hot only Fleurette, 
but a couple of children as well — dark-eyed, bonny boys, 
who chatter in French and English indiscriminately. As 
we passed the spot where the aquatic escapade took 
place, I turned with a smile to my sister; but before I 
could speak, she said beseechingly : 

“ Don’t, please — don’t. Old memories are always sad. . 
Tlie present is happy ; the future promises fair — let us 
forget.” 

And as she spoke, for a moment I saw the sad eyes of 
the Fleurette of old days. Old memories are soiTowf ul— 
let them die 1 

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Paton, i / lich . ^ 

“I cannot speak too highly of the Health Food Company’s Gluten 
Suppositories, as they have been a perfect God-send to me. I believe 
them superior to anything ever devised for the relief of constipation 
and hemorrhoids. 1 have suffered from these evils more than twen- 
ty years, and have at last found substantial relief through the use of 
toe Gluten Suppositories. ’’—Cyrus Bradbury, Hopedale, Mass. 

Send for oup HEALiTH FOOD LiITERATTTIlB. 

HEALTH It FOOD :« COMPANY, 

4th Aye. & 10th St., adjoining Stewart’s, New York, 






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